Flory Branch, Georgia: Desmond Ridder started his first game last season against the New Orleans Saints following the bye week. That’s how this Sunday will look, mostly. After having a bye, the Falcons take on the Saints, and on Monday, Ridder will play in his first game since regaining his starting spot.
Nonetheless, there is no way to compare the two games.
It’s not just that Ridder will make his 13th start on Sunday; he was a rookie making his NFL debut in a hostile environment—the Superdome. It’s also special because of what he’s discovered while observing from the sidelines over the past few weeks.
Head coach Arthur Smith said on Monday, “He’s done a really good job of that and has taken advantage of what can be perceived as a major negative and tried to turn it into a positive for not just the short-term, but for the rest of his career.”
After replacing Marcus Mariota at the end of the previous season, Ridder started the first eight games of this one and the first four of 2022. Taylor Heinicke has been leading Atlanta’s offense for the last two games and a half, including a half in the team’s loss to Tennessee in Week 8.
Ridder had the opportunity to pick up useful knowledge from Heinicke. During his time working with Smith and Falcons offensive coordinator Dave Ragone, Ridder became aware of Heinicke’s communication style. Heinicke collaborated with the seasoned quarterback in a more transparent manner, sharing what worked and what didn’t.
“It kind of clicked in my head something that might be a little different or something that might help,” Ridder
As he continues to develop and find his own style, Ridder has embraced that practice going into the Week 12 game and is working to be more transparent in meetings.
During the games he watched from the bench, Ridder also noted the team’s general energy. He observed lulls on the Falcons’ sideline, highlighting its significance as the team is on a three-game losing streak.
I believe you’ll see a very dominant Atlanta Falcons team out there if everyone is just locked in for 60 minutes on all sides of the ball, all phases, playing fast playing with speed playing physical,” Ridder stated.
Over the next four games, the Falcons will play every divisional opponent in the fiercely competitive NFC South, culminating in a Week 18 matchup with New Orleans.
“Everything is right in front of us. The division is still in front of us,” Ridder remarked. “We have everything we want to get in front of us.”
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