Atlanta Falcons: Arthur Smith comments on playing Desmond Ridder

When are the Atlanta Falcons, or more specifically, Arthur Smith, going to make the smart move and put in the rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder?

Well, Arthur Smith has now commented on the possibility of putting Ridder in after his team’s disappointing divisional loss to the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football.

Are the Atlanta Falcons and Arthur Smith putting in rookie QB Desmond Ridder?

We have unfortunate news for 99% of the Atlanta Falcons fanbase that is hoping to see Desmond Ridder take snaps from behind center in the regular season, it doesn’t appear like Arthur Smith is going to make the move.

Following the Falcons’ awful loss to the team they beat under two weeks ago, Arthur Smith said the following when he was asked if he considered putting rookie Desmond Ridder in the game:

"“No, We have to protect better. We have to run better. It’s not just about the quarterback play.”"

However, he also said this when asked whether or not the coaches will potentially make a change leading up to their matchup against the Chicago Bears in a week and a half:

"“We look every week to make sure we have the right guys in the right spot.”"

We are about to find out whether or not he actually means that statement because there is no way that Marcus Mariota gives you the best chance to win when it is clear that the coaches are trying to keep the ball out of his hands.

It is clear that Mariota is not the long-term answer, so why not see if you have the long-term answer with the rookie? At least he would bring some hope to the other players and could potentially be a game-changer for the team.

When this offense has had to rely on the passing game in any capacity, they might as well walk home because they are just not getting it done through the air. It is time to play the rookie who looked phenomenal during the preseason.