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3 Atlanta Falcons under the most pressure in 2023

By Nick Halden

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach Arthur Smith of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on September 25, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach Arthur Smith of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on September 25, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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Jan 8, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) passes the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) passes the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Desmond Ridder

If the Atlanta Falcons stick with Desmond Ridder as they should this off-season there is no question, he will be facing by far the most pressure. Even in Arthur Smith’s system, Ridder is going to have to prove he is a franchise quarterback. Atlanta fans are spoiled by the stability that Matt Ryan brought for so many seasons.

The expectations for Ridder shouldn’t be more than to play point guard, protecting the football, and make the consistent easy throws Mariota missed far too often in the 2022 season.

Playing quarterback is by far the most pressure-filled position in the league and Ridder is going to have to win over the fanbase this season and prove he is the player fans are hopeful the second-year quarterback can become.

Ridder’s season will be overreacted to from the start for better or worse. Fans must be patient with Desmond and allow the coaching staff time to fully evaluate considering the immense value Ridder provides if he can be a capable starter. If Atlanta does start the season with Ridder as their starter it would be shocking not to see a legitimate second option on the bench.

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