Atlanta Falcons set for drastic quarterback decision as Ridder status uncertain
The Atlanta Falcons face the prospect of a chaotic season after accepting the inconvenient truth regarding Desmond Ridder, as it's become abundantly clear that Ridder is not a franchise quarterback as he faces his second benching of the season.
The Falcons have been struggling with their quarterback position for nearly half a decade since Matt Ryan's performance began to decline. Neither Marcus Mariota nor Ridder have managed to make the starting spot their own in the past two years.
After giving up on Mariota late last season, head coach Arthur Smith and the Falcons' front office decided to placing their trust in 2022 third-round pick Ridder. However, this move was met with scepticism, and as many predicted, this season has been tough for the 24-year-old.
Ridder has thrown 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 13 games, along with 11 fumbles. He was benched during October's loss to the Tennessee Titans and replaced by Taylor Heinicke. Heinicke, a former starter for the Washington Commanders, started the next two games before getting injured, which allowed Ridder to reclaim his starting role.
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Ridder missed his second chance, though, with the lowest point of his season coming in Sunday's crushing defeat to 2-12 NFC South rivals, the Carolina Panthers. It dealt a serious blow to Atlanta's hopes of reaching the postseason. Ridder made a terribly-timed interception in the redzone late in the fourth quarter when the Falcons were leading 7-6 at Bank of America Stadium.
Panthers QB Bryce Young led his team on a game-winning drive, with Eddy Pineiro kicking the winning field goal as time ran out. This moment likely marks the end of Ridder's chance to secure his place as the starter, with Heinicke named the starter for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Taylor Heinicke will start for Atlanta against the Indianapolis Colts. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)The Falcons' coaching staff, including Smith and his assistants, need to rethink their strategy during the offseason, provided owner Arthur Blank gives them another chance as they face a third consecutive losing season since taking over. Regardless, a new plan will have to be made for the quarterback position.
The Falcons' choices will be limited. A middling season means they'll likely pick in the middle of the first round in April's draft, long after top talents Caleb Williams and Drake Maye have been snapped up. They might be able to get their hands on Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels or other prospects on draft night, but there are doubts about their readiness for the big league.
They could also look at trades, but with not much to offer besides draft capital, the Falcons may find themselves in a tough spot during negotiations.
Chicago Bears' Justin Fields could be a possible target, especially as the Bears are set to pick first overall in April due to the Young trade with the Panthers. Despite Fields' less-than-stellar performances, he could fit well with the Falcons' run-heavy offence. But getting him won't be cheap.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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