3 Falcons players to watch closely in Atlanta’s preseason finale

3. Desmond Ridder

Desmond Ridder was sharp in his second preseason game with Atlanta but due to penalties and poor offensive line play struggled to move the ball as well as he did in Atlanta’s first preseason game.  While Mariota is going to start the season for Atlanta, Falcons fans will want to pay close attention to a player who could be their franchise quarterback of the future.

Ridder has looked every bit the part so far for Atlanta and has given fans a reason to feel hopeful this team is headed in the right direction. This could be Atlanta’s last look at Ridder this season with how committed Arthur Smith appears to be to starting quarterback Marcus Mariota. If this team manages to compete with Mariota and the veteran stays healthy it isn’t out of the question the team doesn’t start Ridder this season.

While they should attempt to start his development it is understandable if Mariota does his job to allow Ridder the chance to sit and learn. This worked for the Chiefs albeit with two superior players in Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes.  While both players are far better than Mariota or Ridder the lesson remains the same, Ridder could benefit from learning behind a veteran this season and this could be Atlanta’s final look at the rookie this season.