The Falcons’ decision to give the starting role back to Desmond Ridder after their bye week was intended to put the team’s quarterback questions to rest for the rest of the season. In the wake of yesterday’s loss, however, that may not be the case. 
Ridder was benched in place of Taylor Heinicke after struggling to make the Year 2 jump many young passers experience. The former has received the confidence of Atlanta’s staff, however, and he was reinstalled as the No. 1 for Week 12 and beyond. Ridder underwhelmed in Sunday’s loss to the Panthers, and a late red zone interception set up Carolina’s game-winning field goal.
That continued a concerning trend in the turnover department for Ridder, who has thrown at least one interception in nine games this season and each of his last four. The 2022 third-rounder has also fumbled 11 times, adding to the argument Atlanta should seek out a replacement this offseason. For the time being, another evaluation will take place at the position, head coach Arthur Smith said on Monday.
Smith answered no when asked if third-stringer Logan Woodside was under consideration to get the start in Week 16, and he confirmed the same is true of an outside addition. Just like earlier in the year, therefore, the current decision will come down to Ridder or Heinicke as Atlanta looks to remain in contention for an NFC playoff berth. The latter has put up underwhelming numbers when on the field in his debut Falcons season (55.4% completion percentage, 498 passing yards, three touchdowns, one interception).
A hamstring injury ended Heinicke’s run as starter, but he is healthy now. The former Commanders starter has more experience than Ridder, and the team could opt to give him the starter’s role down the stretch in a bid to reduce turnovers while competing for the NFC South title. The Falcons sit at 6-8, one game behind both the Buccaneers and Saints. They are also in the mix for a wild-card spot, but improvement on offense will likely be needed to reach the postseason.
Heinicke is on the books through 2024 after he signed an incentive-laden deal this past offseason. Ridder’s rookie contract, meanwhile, runs one year longer. With commitments to both passers beyond this season, Atlanta’s plans for the immediate future will be worth watching closely.
That HC has to go, awful!
arty!….who’s your team you like?
Used to be the ‘Skins before Dan killed them. I gave up on them a decade or so ago. Grew up on Gibbs, the Hogs, the fun bunch, division titles, & 3 SB rings. Being sub 500 for eons with Dan in charge killed it for me. I can’t root for losers, what’s the point?
I live in Jax and haven’t been to a Jags game in 5 years. Why go watch a 30-3 game? Waste of time in my opinion. Just like last night’s game proved.
I ageee.
Arty,
Colts owned Skins in 50’s and 60’s when Johnny U ruled Sonny.
Probably true. I was born in 1973! I got hooked on football in the 70’s watching the Steel Curtain, but just loved Gibbs as a person, team building, & strategies. I also thought JKC was one cool dude. The old owner.
You would think teams would understand that young QB talent has to be developed while the ageing veteran is still in place…but they never do.
You would think the HC would use his last 3 1st round picks more in offense than this joker does. I think Pitts, London and the RB had a total of 77 some odd yards combined!