3 Reasons the Atlanta Falcons must bench Mariota for Desmond Ridder

3. Desmond Ridder can only improve the Atlanta offense

Desmond Ridder will come into this offense in comparison to a quarterback who consistently turns the ball over and can not hit his open receivers. Objectively even if Ridder isn’t the long-term answer it is hard to imagine the rookie can be any worse than Mariota. The Falcons tried to keep the ball out of his hands in the second half against the Browns speaking to their lack of trust even with Drake London and Kyle Pitts as targets.

Ridder is going to come in as a starter with so little pressure considering Mariota’s stat sheet and Atlanta’s lack of expectations. Even average quarterback play at this point is going to be an upgrade, Ridder could hit 60% of his throws and turn the ball over once a game and still be a better option for the Falcons.

This speaks to how terrible Mariota has been and why the team must turn to the rookie signal caller. If they truly believe in Ridder now is the time to put the rookie into the lineup and find out what exactly they have. If he is who they believe him to be suddenly the Falcons could be surprising wildcard contenders this season who suddenly become a great landing spot for free agents next off-season.