The Atlanta Falcons had a quarterback controversy on their hands after their week 8 loss to the Titans. Desmond Ridder could only muster up three points and 89 yards of offense before he went out with a concussion. Backup Taylor Heinicke came in and made the game competitive. Many wondered what the team would do moving forward. Head coach Arthur Smith revealed the quarterback plan for week 9 in a press conference this morning.
Atlanta Falcons To Start Taylor Heinicke In Week 9
Smith is going with Heinicke against the Minnesota Vikings. It is unclear whether this is because Ridder is still recovering from his concussion or the team is trying something new. After the loss to the Titans, Smith assured fans and media that he still had confidence in Ridder as the starter. However, the Falcons are in the mix for the NFC South and Heinicke has proven that he can win big games and take a team to the playoffs. The Falcons have dropped a couple of games due to shaky quarterback play and that is what likely led to the change.
Not A Must Win But A Really Needed Win
The Minnesota Vikings will be starting a rookie quarterback after Kirk Cousins went down with an Achilles injury. Sitting at 4-4, the Falcons do not want to drop games like this. They should have an easy time controlling this game assuming they can get good quarterback play. Heinicke gives a safe floor of quarterback play.
Will the Atlanta Falcons permanently go to Taylor Heinicke? It will likely depend on how well week 9 goes. Hopefully, the Falcons can get back on the winning track and make a push for the NFC South crown.