Falcons HC Raheem Morris savagely calls out Desmond Ridder at NFL Combine

Atlanta Falcons new head coach Raheem Morris addressed the media at the 2024 NFL Combine where he savagely called out quarterback Desmond Ridder.  When asked how close Atlanta might really be to playoff contention, here's what Morris said:  "If we had better quarterback play, I probably will not be standing here at this podium.” Ridder […]

Kelsey Kramer College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris talks to the media at the 2024 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons new head coach Raheem Morris addressed the media at the 2024 NFL Combine where he savagely called out quarterback Desmond Ridder. 

When asked how close Atlanta might really be to playoff contention, here's what Morris said: 

"If we had better quarterback play, I probably will not be standing here at this podium.

Ridder logged 15 games for Atlanta in 2023 while completing 64.2 percent of his passes for 2,836 yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. 

After several uninspiring performances, Ridder was benched twice for backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke — who didn't play any better. 

Ridder's overall poor quarterback play last season was absolutely uncalled for considering the Falcons set him up nearly perfectly for success with numerous weapons in Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Bijan Robinson. He also had a decent offensive line in front of him and a solid defense to complement the offense. 

The last time Morris or any of the Falcons' new coaching staff was asked about the quarterback position, they didn't rule out Ridder returning

But this brutally honest quote from Morris officially confirms that Ridder is 100% not starting — and possibly not even suiting up — for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024.