3 Reasons the Atlanta Falcons should start Desmond Ridder in week six

1. Mariota’s only consistency is turnovers

At least twice a game you can count on Marcus Mariota either putting the ball on the turf or throwing it to the wrong-colored jersey. His turnovers have been the only consistent part of his game helping to set a shallow bar for Desmond Ridder. Turnovers are part of the game and if Mariota was a gunslinger making consistent plays down the field perhaps there would be some reason to look past his turnover issues.

That is far from the case here, however, for a quarterback who struggles to complete 50% of his throws and is unable to surpass 200-passing yards with one of his receivers breaking an unexpected play.

Ridder can start in week six and be a below-average quarterback and still be a huge upgrade for the Falcons. Even if he throws an interception and is simply a capable game manager this is a huge upgrade for the Falcons.

Mariota is reliant on using his speed to get outside of the pocket and make plays with his legs. Even when he does this and creates space far too often he is missing the open receiver and very often it hasn’t been close. Ridder simply needs to limit turnovers and put the ball in a position to give his receivers a chance and he will be a clear upgrade.