The Atlanta Falcons have a solid roster but cannot seem to figure out one position, the quarterback. Unfortunately for them, that position is the most important in the game. Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke have shared the duties with Ridder seemingly getting benched for the veteran Heinicke. Now, the Falcons have flip-flopped again.
Sources: The #Falcons will start QB Desmond Ridder going forward, beginning with their next game against the #Saints, handing the ball back to their original starter.
My story on the move coming out of the bye: https://t.co/18WLbkBfdMhttps://t.co/18WLbkBfdM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 19, 2023
Atlanta Falcons Go Back To Desmond Ridder
Head coach Arthur Smith will get Ridder ready over the bye week. After having little success with Heinicke, the team is going back to their second-year quarterback. Because of the weakness of the NFC South, the Falcons are very much in the race despite their recent struggles. If they can get some key victories against divisional opponents, they could easily be the ones representing the division in the playoffs. Is this a good move?
Risks With The Move
The team benched Ridder once. The hope is that his confidence is not shot. This also has the potential to backfire if Ridder comes in a plays really well. Teammates could wonder why they went with Heinicke if Ridder was the clear starter all along. It is a decision that screams desperation but it isn’t just the quarterback position that has been inconsistent. Odd coaching decisions have left many fans and analysts scratching their heads.
Desmond Ridder will not get the second half of the season to audition for the Atlanta Falcons. How he plays over the next couple of months may determine whether the team needs to look for a quarterback in the draft.
