Desmond Ridder feeling confident as Falcons' starting QB
The Atlanta Falcons opted not to draft a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft and instead, decided to put their faith in second-year QB Desmond Ridder. The expectations are extra high this season for Ridder, who only started four games last year, and the pressure starts on Sunday when the Falcons face the Carolina Panthers. But […]
The Atlanta Falcons opted not to draft a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft and instead, decided to put their faith in second-year QB Desmond Ridder.
The expectations are extra high this season for Ridder, who only started four games last year, and the pressure starts on Sunday when the Falcons face the Carolina Panthers.
But Ridder is feeling confident.
“I’m ready to roll,” Ridder said during his Week 1 press conference. “Ain’t no doubt about it. I’m ready to go out. I know every single one of the guys in that locker room have my back, and I’ve got theirs. Every time we put that ball down and go to play, it’s time to strap up and go.”
Ridder, a 2022 third-round pick out of Cincinnati, spent the majority of the 2022 season behind Marcus Mariota. It wasn't until Week 15 of last year that the Falcons let Ridder take over the starting job. Through four starts, Ridder completed 73 of 115 passes for 708 yards, two scores and zero picks.
Despite having very little experience at the pro level, Ridder has learned to control his anxiety and focus on preparation.
“I feel that responsibility every single day because that is my job,” Ridder said. “That is my responsibility to make sure not only myself doing everything I can to push this team forward, but everyone else as a whole, as an offense, as a special teams, as a defense, as a team, that we’re all headed in the right direction.
“So, as the position of quarterback, I feel that pressure every single day of just going out there and making sure that everyone is where they need to be, and that we’re a smooth and flawless team.”
The Falcons made the move to sign veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicki in the offseason, so if all else fails, they have an experienced backup to take over Ridder's job.
However, head coach Arthur Smith doesn't think that will be necessary.
“We wouldn’t put him out there if we weren’t confident,” Smith said this week. “Simple as that.”
Catch Ridder in action on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET vs. the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Final injury report for Falcons vs. Panthers, Week 1
One starter ruled out.
Featured image by John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
