The play of Falcons’ quarterback Desmond Ridder continues to be the most hotly contested topic in Atlanta sports. Ridder’s struggles through six games this season have been broken down to a fine powder and analyzed by local and national media alike. The voice that ultimately matters though, is that of Head Coach Arthur Smith, who still fully backs his QB. A new voice has entered the fray, however, and it’s an important one at that.
Longtime Falcons signal caller Matt Ryan weighed in on the issue during an interview with The Athletic. Ryan highlighted “the next six weeks being important for Ridder’s development” and a marker for where the team is in the playoff standings. The former NFL MVP also highlighted what areas of Ridder’s game need to improve for both he and the team to take the next step. He noted “situational plays” as the main focus for Ridder to improve upon after he threw a game-ending interception against Washington on Sunday.
Dukes & Bell know agree on the importance of the next several weeks to decide Ridder’s status as QB 1
“This is a learning on the job situation. And everybody is going through it that’s starting a new quarterback…I’m not as disappointed maybe as some people as how this has gone. If it does not get better, (Ridder) makes this decision very easy for the front office,” Carl Dukes explained.
Ridder currently sits at a 64% completion percentage, thrown for 1,380 yards with six touchdowns and interceptions. If he can cut down on the critical turnovers, those numbers will look at lot more impressive and the team will benefit in kind.