The starting quarterback controversy appeared to be simmering down following the Falcons’ Week 7 contest with the Bucs. Desmond Ridder did turn the ball over three times (all fumbles), but the Falcons offense as a whole appeared to be hitting their stride, accruing over 400 yards of offense in three straight weeks, with Ridder nearly averaging 300 yards passing per game.
However, the turnovers were still an issue, and then Pandora’s box was opened yesterday against the Titans. Ridder struggled mightily in the first half, throwing for just 75 yards and taking five sacks. He also had a costly fumble that led to a touchdown, as the Falcons offense generated just three points.
At halftime, Ridder was checked out for a concussion. Despite clearing concussion protocols, Arthur Smith still went to Taylor Heinicke, citing he “didn’t think Des was right.”
Arthur Smith said Falcons initially made the change to Taylor Heinicke because Desmond Ridder was being checked for a concussion, and "didn't think Des was right." pic.twitter.com/59ATpeyMbl
— Justin Felder (@Justin_FOX5) October 29, 2023
That decision turned out to be the correct call. Taylor Heinicke injected life into the Falcons offense, which looked like a far more competent unit with him under center. He threw for 175 yards and a touchdown in the second half. The ball was out of Henicke’s hands early and on target, and the improved passing opened up things on the ground. The Falcons scored on four of their six second half possessions and had a chance to win the game on the final drive before Van Jefferson dropped an easy completion on fourth-and-one that would have extended the drive.
If it weren’t for the worry of a concussion, I highly doubt Arthur Smith would have turned away from Desmond Ridder. However, he did, and now the entire world knows that Taylor Heinicke is much better suited to help the Falcons win games right now.
The conversation about who will start at quarterback for Atlanta will be at the forefront prior to every game from here on out, but it seems like everybody, including Taylor Heinicke, understands that Ridder is still the team’s #1 signal caller.
"This is Desmond's team."
–Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke
Full answer below on starter going forward. (Via Falcons Facebook stream.) pic.twitter.com/GBub9NGKJn— Justin Felder (@Justin_FOX5) October 29, 2023
Taylor Heinicke has proven to be a pro’s pro as the team’s backup behind Desmond Ridder. He knows what he signed up for, but that’s not going to stop the conversations from happening. Ridder may get the start next week against the Vikings, but his leash feels shorter than ever now that the whole world knows Heinicke is capable of leading this Falcons team to the playoffs.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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