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3 Moments that should help the Atlanta Falcons believe in Desmond Ridder

By Nick Halden

Dec 24, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) drops back to pass 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) drops back to pass during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Justin Evans (30) forced an interception that bounced off Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) and was recovered by New Orleans Saints cornerback Bradley Roby (21) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Justin Evans (30) forced an interception that bounced off Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) and was recovered by New Orleans Saints cornerback Bradley Roby (21) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

1. 4th and 5 throw to Drake London in New Orleans

What isn’t talked about enough in Ridder’s best moments is the first week in the final drive for Atlanta. Ridder in his first start is down 21-18 on the road in New Orleans and has the Falcons driving at midfield facing a 4th down that they must have with just above two minutes left in the game.

Ridder gunned a contested throw to Drake London who was in the middle of two defenders in a congested middle of the field. It was a fifteen-yard throw that would have had Atlanta in position to tie the game or more likely continue the drive and win.

London’s ball security or lack thereof ended the play with the ball popping into the air and into the arms of a waiting New Orleans defender. Due to London’s fumble, it is overlooked how clutch of a moment that was for Desmond Ridder and the poise and precision it took in that situation. If London goes to the ground a beat earlier there is zero doubt Ridder finishes that drive and is 3-1 in the final four starts of the year.

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