The Falcons are making a change at quarterback for the third time this season.
Desmond Ridder started the first eight games of the season but left the Titans contest as he was evaluated for a concussion, opening the door for Taylor Heinicke, who gave the Falcons a shot to win in Tennessee. Unfortunately, Atlanta’s defense couldn’t stop a rookie making his NFL debut in Will Levis.
The cat was out of the bag, though. The offense looked more explosive with Heinicke, even if the veteran consistently put the ball in harm’s way like his younger predecessor. Heinicke got the nod for two more games following that with equally middling results as Ridder, especially in the turnover-worthy plays department.
Arthur Smith went back to Desmond Ridder after two games, vowing not to play musical chairs at the position. I think he meant it too. His evaluation has been off this entire season because Ridder didn’t progress, and it culminated last week when he threw a back-breaking interception in the red zone that resulted in a Panthers’ game-winning drive.
Now, Smith is turning back to Heinicke, according to Jeff Schultz of The Athletic.
The Falcons are benching quarterback Desmond Ridder and will start Taylor Heinicke Sunday against the Colts, a source told @TheAthletic. Ridder, who also was benched earlier this season, threw a game-crushing interception at Carolina and has 16 turnovers, fourth most in the NFL.
— Jeff Schultz (@JeffSchultzATL) December 19, 2023
Arthur Smith said in Monday’s press conference that he hadn’t made a decision on who would start this Sunday, but I’m not quite sure Heinicke is the better option. The Falcons head coach is stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Ridder is 6-6 across 12 starts, throwing for 2,528 yards on 63.8% passing while accounting for 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The third-round pick has also added 193 yards and five scores on the ground while coughing up 11 fumbles.
The veteran, who started two games, threw for nearly 500 yards and three touchdowns to one interception in 10 quarters of play. However, the turnover-worthy plays are notable, and Heinicke is prone to put the ball in harm’s way more often.
Ridder's career 540 dropbacks: 25 turnover-worthy plays
Heinicke's last 530 dropbacks: 35 turnover-worthy playsThe offense is NOT in safer hands with Heinicke. I think "losing the locker room" is complete BS, but sure whatever you say https://t.co/88PhNmaKlt
— Locked On Falcons (@lockedonfalcons) December 19, 2023
This Falcons season has been a supreme disappointment, but they’re not mathematically eliminated from postseason contention, so there’s no feeling sorry for themselves.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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