3 Moments that should help the Atlanta Falcons believe in Desmond Ridder
By Nick Halden
The Atlanta Falcons have a long off-season to debate whether they are moving forward with Desmond Ridder as their starter or if they will look elsewhere. Outside of a top quarterback falling in the draft or a star quarterback picking Atlanta as a landing spot the clear choice is to build a complete team around Desmond Ridder.
Ridder only played four games with Atlanta sticking with Mariota for far too long and not providing the rookie enough time to show his full ability. What Atlanta did see from Ridder was an ability to protect the football and consistent progression with the rookie improving with each start.
It is fair to point out that a part of this improvement was facing lesser teams after playing a very tough opening two games on the road in New Orleans and against a great Baltimore defense. Still, Ridder accomplished both of his wins without a healthy roster on a team that already knew they were out of playoff contention.
Watching all four games closely there is reason to believe that the plays and timing were there from the start. With an off-season of additions and putting the right pieces around him, Ridder showed from his first start that the moment isn’t too big.