3 Atlanta Falcons to watch closely in tonight’s pre-season opener

1. Desmond Ridder

This is the most obvious inclusion considering Ridder could be the franchise quarterback of the future. This will be Atlanta’s first look at their rookie quarterback and his performance is sure to garner an overreaction regardless of how well or poorly the rookie plays.

While his first NFL action shouldn’t be ignored it is simply a pre-season game and Ridder will likely have his moments where he looks to be the rookie quarterback he is. The biggest thing Falcons fans should be watching is Ridder’s ability to stay in a play if his first read isn’t open.

One of the biggest concerns for Ridder headed into the draft was his ability to go through reads patiently at the next level. If the first guy isn’t open is he able to read the rest of the field and make a decision efficiently whether or not it results in a completion this is what Atlanta fans should be watching closely as well as what targets he leans on when the offense needs a play.

While the gameplan will be predictable considering it is the pre-season there is still plenty to be learned about Ridder and how close he might be to being able to start heading into the season.