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5 areas Desmond Ridder must improve to become Falcons’ franchise QB

By Grayson Freestone

Dec 24, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) rushes during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) rushes during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Falcons, Desmond Ridder
Jan 8, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) scrambles against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Desmond Ridder needs to improve on quick throws and decisions

This is something that many rookies struggle with as they are used to playing against college defenses that are much slower. It is something that needs to be improved. Arthur Smith likes calling RPO plays, read options, and general short throws, which require split-second decisions.

The Falcons seemed hesitant to run read-option plays with the inexperienced QB after routinely calling them with Marcus Mariota under center. It is likely because the speed of the game seems to be on 2x speed for young players. Trying to read a defender in a read option or RPO play would be difficult.

As he sees the NFL speed more, it should become his new default, and the trust to run such plays will be restored.

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