Gone are future Hall of Famer Matt Ryan and one year project Marcus Mariota, in is 2022 third round draft pick Quarterback Desmond Ridder from the University of Cincinnati. Ridder was 44-6 as a starter for the Bearcats while in college. Ridder was 26-0 at home while all losses came on the road. Now turned pro as the the quarterback #1 for the Falcons, he has yet to lose at home as a Falcon. Last year, he came in late to replace Mariota as the starter and went 2-2, two home wins and two road losses. This year Ridder is 2-0 with both wins coming at Mercedes Benz Stadium over the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers.
The book is still open on Ridder, and it’s not to say things could change. But right now General Manager Terry Fontenot and Head Coach Arthur Smith are looking like geniuses, passing up on QB Justin Fields a couple years back to get their guy just a year later.
Smith’s offense is built around the run game. When he was offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, he had RB Derrick Henry, and now with Atlanta he has RBs Tyler Algeier and Bijan Robinson. Algeier is put your shoulder pads down and run through the tackles when you need those two yards for the first down. Robinson is your shifty back that can escape tackles and take it for a 25-yard gain. Back in the early 2000’s the Falcons had a similar running back combo in TJ Duckett and Warrick Dunn.
Ridder doesn’t have to be perfect, just manage the game and let his running backs do all the work because when the running game is working, the play action pass will open up. He’s taking steps to become the leader of this team and the city is embracing him.
Ridder’s numbers so far after two games shows he has managed the games well:
- vs Carolina Panthers: 15-18 for 115 yards, 1 passing TD, 0 ints, 111.8 passer rating, W 24-10
- vs Green Bay Packers: 19-32 for 237 yards, 1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD, 1 int, 79.8 passer rating, W 25-24
Time will only tell where Ridder takes this team. Does he flourish and learn from his mistakes and bring the city of Atlanta winning teams for years to come, or does he break down when the moments are too big for him, and the Falcons are right back trying to find their next franchise quarterback.
Next Game
Atlanta Falcons (2-0) at Detroit Lions (1-1); Ford Field; 1:00 pm EST; FOX; 92.9 FM radio
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