Arthur Smith said he would have a decision on the Falcons starting quarterback on Wednesday, and that moment has arrived. Taylor Heinicke will get the start for the Falcons in Week 9 against the Vikings.
Arthur Smith announces that Taylor Heinicke will be the starting QB for the #Falcons this Sunday vs. the Vikings. pic.twitter.com/869AljIlKP
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) November 1, 2023
Most Falcons fans will get what they want this weekend with Heinicke under center after what happened in last week’s contest against the Titans. However, the question remains whether this is just a one week adjustment.
Arthur Smith followed up by saying the decision to go to Heinicke was not purely medical. Ridder has been cleared to play, but the decision to move on from him had to do with several variables. Specifically, he believes Heinicke gives the Falcons the best chance to win against the Vikings.
Arthur Smith said the decision to go with Taylor Heinicke is one they made in the short-term, specifically for Minnesota. Desmond Ridder will be the No. 2 QB: "He is cleared and will be available."
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) November 1, 2023
We’ll see if this is just a one week thing, or if Heinicke ends up being the starter for the rest of the season, but it’s never a good idea to bench a young quarterback and then try and go back to him. This decision suggests the Falcons, like the rest of us, have reservations about Ridder being the team’s long-term answer. If Heinicke can lead the Falcons to victory over the Vikings and looks good doing it, I don’t see how they go back to Ridder.
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Photographer: Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire
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