The Falcons got off to a 1-0 start with a 24-10 victory over the Panthers in their home opener. The defense stepped up and the offense did enough to secure the victory. However, Desmond Ridder didn’t impress everyone.
NFL Insider Brian Baldinger of the Audacy original podcast “In The Huddle” explained why he’s worried about the young Falcons quarterback after what he saw in Week 1.
“If you told me to pick this game a week ago, I would’ve said 100% the Falcons – until I watched Green Bay play and I watched Desmond Ridder play,” Baldinger said (28:52 in player above). “I’m worried about Desmond Ridder.”
It’s still early on in Ridder’s career, but that may be enough for Baldinger to make a judgment.
“I know it’s just one game and he’s started five in his career, but his pocket presence is non-existent,” he continued. “There is just panic. That was not a good performance… He kind of sacked himself a couple of times.”
In his four starts last season, Ridder led the Falcons to a 2-2 record with varying degrees of success. All in all, he threw for two touchdowns (both in Week 17 against the Buccaneers) and while he didn’t throw an interception, he did fumble in his final three games.
In Atlanta’s win over the Panthers in Week 1, Ridder threw for 115 yards and one touchdown on 15 of 18 passing. He was sacked four times for a total loss of 24 yards.
“I worry about Desmond just from what I saw last week,” Baldinger concluded.
Ridder and the Falcons face a tough test this week with a home matchup against the Packers. Green Bay shut down the Bears in Chicago last week and Ridder could be in for another tough game after the Packers sacked Justin Fields four times in their 38-20 win.