Falcons draft QB of the future in Desmond Ridder
Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2022 2:10 am
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Bleacher ReportMomentum Builds for Desmond Ridder to Start at QB for Atlanta Falcons
It's hard to find anyone within the Atlanta Falcons organization who doesn't rave about rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder.
During Saturday's 28-12 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, general manager Terry Fontenot and center Drew Dalman were interviewed during the telecast. Both talked about the quarterback's work ethic and going about his business the right way.
His performance during the Falcons' preseason game helped create more momentum for this year's 74th overall pick to start at some point this season.
It didn't look that way initially, though. Ridder threw an interception during Atlanta's first offensive play. Pressure up the middle caused the rookie to fade to his left, and the quarterback left it short and late over the middle.
Instead of dwelling on the mistake, the first-year signal-caller responded with a excellent touchdown drive on the very next series. Ridder completed all five passes he attempted during the sequence, including an impressive throw on a deep out to convert a 3rd-and-8.
Ridder knew coming into the contest he needed to show more despite an exemplary preseason performance. He identified his presnap process and getting the offense ready for the play and snap sooner when he spoke with reporters.
“I’ve got a couple of things to clean up myself, play calls, getting the operations run,” Ridder said after Monday's 24-16 loss to the New York Jets. “Just really executing.”
The maturity the 22-year-old exhibits allows the Falcons to dig in deeper and harder to get him ready if/when he's called upon during the regular season.
"I don't treat him like a rookie," Smith told reporters Wednesday. "The worst thing you can do is sit there and lower the expectations for somebody. We're trying to get him ready to play real Sunday NFL football, and if you make it too easy on him, you're not doing him a favor."
In doing so, the Falcons are simultaneously preparing for the inevitable moment when they look toward the future by seeing what they have in Ridder now.
The coaching staff sees their young quarterback taking shots, zipping in a perfect slant route so his receiver can create after the catch, threading a pass between the second and third levels and finding wide receivers down the field. He's consistently making high-level NFL-caliber throws. Ridder played well into the fourth quarter Saturday and threw for 185 yards and a score. A second interception did occur but that was nothing more than a heave during the last play of the first half.
Marcus Mariota is a consummate professional. He's still expected to be Atlanta's Week 1 starter, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. Yet he's nothing more than a bridge.
The eventual transition to Ridder just may happen sooner rather than later based on what everyone has seen throughout the preseason. The Falcons must find out what they have in the young man, and early returns are quite promising.
Bleacher ReportGrading Every Rookie QB's Preseason Performance
Desmond Ridder -- Atlanta Falcons
At least initially in 2022, the Atlanta Falcons are banking on Marcus Mariota. While rebuilding the roster, they're aiming to extract the best of 2015's second overall selection.
But we should be seeing Desmond Ridder along the way.
The third-round pick out of Cincinnati threw two touchdowns and led a comeback win over the Detroit Lions during his debut. He followed that up with a 10-of-13, 143-yard showing opposite the New York Jets.
Although he had a bit of a roller-coaster day against the Jacksonville Jaguars and threw two interceptions, he still finished 14-of-21 for 185 yards and a touchdown.
Ridder is not definitely the Falcons' long-term QB, but the preseason suggested he deserves a shot sometime soon.
Grade: B+
That's my problem with him.DirtybirdGA wrote:It's soon, it's way too many turnovers for a so-called vet.
Bleacher ReportRookies We'd Like to See More of Down the Stretch
QB Desmond Ridder, Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcon's offense with Marcus Mariota at quarterback is just OK.
All things considered, they have overachieved compared to what the expectations were for the team before the season. They are right in the middle of the pack in offensive expected points added per play and yards per play, per The 33rd Team
However, Mariota's limitations have been more pronounced recently. On the heels of back-to-back losses to the Los Angeles Chargers and Carolina Panthers, head coach Arthur Smith had to dismiss any notion of a quarterback controversy brewing.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Falcons wouldn't be moving on from Mariota unless the team is out of playoff contention.
Technically, they took another step toward remaining in contention with a 27-24 win over the Chicago Bears. But it was on the heels of another ho-hum day from the veteran quarterback. Mariota went 13-of-20 for 131 yards and a touchdown, adding another 25 yards on the ground with a rushing touchdown.
At this point, it's hard to see the Falcons doing anything with a playoff spot when they are so limited at quarterback. Third-round pick Desmond Ridder at least has the potential to elevate the offense.
The quarterback has yet to see any action but brings an athletic profile to the table and was impressive during the preseason. Rapoport reported the Falcons staff likes the development they've seen in the quarterback.
With the Falcons barely hanging on in the wild-card race and sitting a half-game behind the Bucs, it's time to see what they have in Ridder.