Falcons' Desmond Ridder played fearlessly in career day vs. Texans
Following back-to-back embarrassing losses, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder said he would not play "in fear" of being benched heading into Week 5's matchup against the Houston Texans. "For me, it's just about going out there, playing every play as a new play," Ridder said ahead of the win, "and going out there trying to […]
Following back-to-back embarrassing losses, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder said he would not play "in fear" of being benched heading into Week 5's matchup against the Houston Texans.
"For me, it's just about going out there, playing every play as a new play," Ridder said ahead of the win, "and going out there trying to play the play as best as you can, try to get the best result out of each play, and not play with that fear [of being bench]."
Ridder played fearlessly against Houston as he completed 28 of 37 passes for 329 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions for a 111.2 passer rating in the Falcons' 21-19 win.
Not only did Ridder post a career day, but he outplayed 2023 No. 2 overall draft pick C.J. Stroud.
Stroud completed 20 of 35 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown in his team's fall.
Ridder isn't blind to all of those doubting him, but he also won't take criticism from anyone but himself or his teammates.
“It's all within self," Ridder said after the game. “I really don't care what the outside world has to say as long as myself and my teammates are on the same page. We're just going to keep getting better, not only myself, but the team as well, and just keep improving.”
The Falcons are 3-2 with Ridder under center and will face the 2-3 Washington Commanders in Week 6.
Falcons’ Bijan Robinson makes one-handed catches look easy
The Falcons have something special in Bijan Robinson.
