Desmond Ridder shows Falcons he isn’t quite ready in preseason finale

Desmond Ridder led the Atlanta Falcons to their second preseason win finishing the game 14/21 with 185-receiving yards and 1-touchdown with 2-interceptions. It was the second preseason game in which Ridder consistently led the team down the field and put them in a position to win the game.

Overall the preseason was a huge success for a player who has given reason to believe he is the franchise quarterback of the future. However, it is only fair to point out as well Ridder did throw two ugly interceptions in this game obviously making poor rookie decisions.

While it was wiped away due to a penalty Ridder has a similar moment in his first game tossing an ugly interception. Atlanta’s plan to start Ridder on the bench behind veteran Marcus Mariota is the perfect decision and will give Ridder much-needed time to develop and learn behind a veteran.

This isn’t to say that Ridder shouldn’t be in the starting lineup at some point this season rather the rookie has shown he could benefit from time on the bench learning behind a veteran. Atlanta needs to set Ridder up to have the most success possible and that isn’t throwing him into the fire in week one against the Saints.

Instead, allow him to continue to improve his decision-making and study Arthur Smith’s offense. Ridder had a great preseason and gave every indication he is capable of being a franchise quarterback.  Rookie mistakes are bound to happen from even the most elite quarterbacks in football Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson two of the best quarterbacks in the league weren’t close to the players they are now in their rookie seasons.

Spending time behind Mariota with little pressure or expectations is the best case scenario for a player who is expected to be the future for the Atlanta Falcons.