3 Reasons the Atlanta Falcons should build around Desmond Ridder

3. Desmond Ridder showed improvement each start

The biggest positive when watching each of Desmond Ridder’s four starts back is just how much growth across four games the rookie showed. Not only did he improve each week he showed an impressive ability from his first start to read the field and protect the football. It is easy to forget that Ridder did this without arguably Atlanta’s best weapon in Kyle Pitts.

Atlanta lacked the explosive plays or the clear throws that you could point to and say Ridder would become the star quarterback Atlanta is lacking. However, there was also the clear lack of frustration Atlanta had with Marcus Mariota’s inability to make plays or the forced throws that resulted in turnovers.

Ridder also used his legs sparingly in Atlanta’s final four starts and could use his mobility as an integral part of the offense next season.  Despite the win coming against backups in the second half Ridder played Brady to a tie in the first half and led Atlanta to one of their best wins of the season in his final start.   Desmond has the arm talent to be a good starter in this league and was impressive taking clear steps forward in each start.