Falcons mailbag: Is Desmond Ridder good or bad? Can Arthur Smith evaluate QBs?
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons mailbag: Is Desmond Ridder good or bad? Can Arthur Smith evaluate QBs?

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons have one big quarterback question and lots of little quarterback questions that attach to that big one. Heinicke’s injury is a “low grade” sprain, Smith said, so he may be healthy enough to play when Atlanta returns to the field, but the Falcons are strongly considering going back to Ridder either way. In general, Smith is skeptical about “the next great quarterback” in the draft, which is one reason you’ll never see his team intentionally tank. It always seemed to me that Smith’s offense worked best at Tennessee and in Atlanta in his first two seasons when it had a “body blow, body blow, haymaker” approach with a physical running game punctuated by a deep passing game, and both have taken a step back this season. That gives you some context and also provides a cautionary lesson that Arthur Smith would be sure to point out — lots of fantasy points don’t necessarily mean winning play.

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History of this topic

The Falcons are sticking with Kirk Cousins and may get a break thanks to a soft schedule
1 week, 6 days ago

The Falcons are sticking with Kirk Cousins and may get a break thanks to a soft schedule

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Even when grappling with a four-game losing streak and the uncertainty generated by quarterback Kirk Cousins’ eight interceptions and no touchdown passes in that span, there is some solace for the Atlanta Falcons. “We’re right in this thing,” right guard Chris Lindstrom said Monday before acknowledging he is “obviously not happy or satisfied with where we’re at.” Lindstrom …

The Steelers are turning their underachieving offense over to former Falcons coach Arthur Smith
10 months, 2 weeks ago

The Steelers are turning their underachieving offense over to former Falcons coach Arthur Smith

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers hired former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator on Friday, hoping he can help a unit that’s underachieved in recent years. Smith replaces Matt Canada, who was dismissed just before Thanksgiving with the Steelers offense languishing near the bottom of the league in points and yards. Still, head coach Mike Tomlin opted …

Kaboly: Steelers’ hire of Arthur Smith was perfect choice, even if it doesn’t work
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Kaboly: Steelers’ hire of Arthur Smith was perfect choice, even if it doesn’t work

New York Times  

PITTSBURGH — It’s Arthur Smith … it’s always been Arthur Smith. Robinson and Johnson — who was coaching at the high school level just five years ago — have not been an offensive coordinator or called plays in the NFL, while Brown has spent one year as an OC and part-time play caller for the league’s worst offense in Carolina …

Steelers to hire former Falcons coach Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator: Source
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Steelers to hire former Falcons coach Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator: Source

New York Times  

By Mike DeFabo, Josh Kendall, Mark Kaboly and Larry Holder The Pittsburgh Steelers are hiring former Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith as the team’s new offensive coordinator, according to a team source. Tomlin fired previous offensive coordinator Matt Canada during the season, giving quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan play-calling duties and tabbing running backs coach Eddie Faulkner to coordinate the offense …

Arthur Smith expresses ‘love and appreciation’ for Falcons players in team meeting after firing
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Arthur Smith expresses ‘love and appreciation’ for Falcons players in team meeting after firing

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Arthur Smith was back at the Atlanta Falcons’ practice facility on Monday morning for a final meeting with his players after he was fired late Sunday night. It meant a lot to me that he stood up there and looked us all in the eye and told us some things.” Added Harrison: “He’s a guy you …

Falcons fire coach Arthur Smith hours after completing 3rd straight 7-10 season
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Falcons fire coach Arthur Smith hours after completing 3rd straight 7-10 season

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Arthur Smith, who inherited a rebuilding project in his first NFL head coaching job and failed to lift Atlanta from its playoff drought, was fired late Sunday night, hours after completing his third straight losing season with the Falcons. Smith didn’t feel much heat after his first two losing seasons as Atlanta dealt with major salary cap issues, …

After Falcons fizzle, coach Arthur Smith deflects when asked about his future
11 months, 2 weeks ago

After Falcons fizzle, coach Arthur Smith deflects when asked about his future

Associated Press  

NEW ORLEANS — Following Atlanta’s second-half collapse against the rival Saints on Sunday, embattled Falcons coach Arthur Smith had opportunities to make a public case for his retention. “Obviously the pick didn’t help,” said Ridder, who started for the Falcons after Taylor Heinicke was a game-day scratch because of an ankle injury. They took advantage of it.” The Falcons drove …

Falcons fire Arthur Smith after 3 losing seasons: Who could Atlanta target as his replacement?
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Falcons fire Arthur Smith after 3 losing seasons: Who could Atlanta target as his replacement?

New York Times  

The Atlanta Falcons fired coach Arthur Smith after three seasons, the team announced at midnight Monday morning, hours after the conclusion of the regular season. “There’s a lot of things that go into what makes a quarterback successful or not.” The Falcons hired Smith to replace Dan Quinn following the 2020 season. I’m angry, I’m frustrated.” Smith’s final moments with …

Atlanta Falcons fire Arthur Smith: How getting the QB decision wrong cost him
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Atlanta Falcons fire Arthur Smith: How getting the QB decision wrong cost him

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — When Calais Campbell explained in the spring why he signed with the Atlanta Falcons, he said general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith “made me a believer.” “You need to believe in the people making decisions, and they have a win-now mentality,” Campbell said on April 3. “There’s a million ways to do it …

Will the Falcons say goodbye to Arthur Smith after a third straight losing season?
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Will the Falcons say goodbye to Arthur Smith after a third straight losing season?

New York Times  

NEW ORLEANS — On Aug. 27, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he would be “disappointed” if his team didn’t win more games than it did the last two years. “I love what I’m doing, but we know the industry we’re in,” Smith said. “For other people, I know it was like, ‘More of the same,’ but for my first …

Falcons owner Arthur Blank feeling weight of ‘complex decision’ on his team’s coach
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Falcons owner Arthur Blank feeling weight of ‘complex decision’ on his team’s coach

New York Times  

ATLANTA — This was a good day for Arthur Blank. He didn’t want to go down the road of what he was thinking, instead reiterating comments from a few days earlier that he was “committed” to Smith — however one defines that — but that a decision on the coach’s future would be made after the season. “Like coach Smith …

Falcons coach Arthur Smith knows his job ‘is to win,’ but won’t focus on job security
1 year ago

Falcons coach Arthur Smith knows his job ‘is to win,’ but won’t focus on job security

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Sure, the Atlanta Falcons are still playing for a playoff berth. It’s not the kind of thing anyone will talk about directly — Blank this week told Georgia Public Broadcasting that he is “committed” to Smith without offering any concrete plans about the future — but it’s the topic that will be in the background of …

Falcons owner on coach Arthur Smith’s future with team: ‘We’ll let the season play out’
1 year ago

Falcons owner on coach Arthur Smith’s future with team: ‘We’ll let the season play out’

New York Times  

Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he is “committed” to Arthur Smith but will “let the season play out and go from there” when asked if the third-year head coach will return in 2024. “Obviously, this has not been the kind of year we expected and you would hear that first from Coach Smith,” Blank told Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Jeff Hullinger …

Falcons again benching Ridder at QB as Heinicke moves up as starter against Colts
1 year ago

Falcons again benching Ridder at QB as Heinicke moves up as starter against Colts

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are removing quarterback Desmond Ridder from the starting job for the second time this season following his continued turnover woes in the team’s latest loss. The loss knocked the Falcons out of first place in the NFC South and raised new questions about coach Arthur Smith’s job security in his third season. Following two losses …

Falcons to start Taylor Heinicke vs. Colts, per source: Is Desmond Ridder’s tenure over in Atlanta?
1 year ago

Falcons to start Taylor Heinicke vs. Colts, per source: Is Desmond Ridder’s tenure over in Atlanta?

New York Times  

The Atlanta Falcons will start Taylor Heinicke at quarterback Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, sending Desmond Ridder to the bench for the second time this season, a team source said. Falcons coach Arthur Smith said at the time the plan was to start Ridder for the rest of the season, and Atlanta won its first two games after his return. …

Falcons’ Arthur Smith picked wrong quarterback and he’s lost benefit of doubt
1 year ago

Falcons’ Arthur Smith picked wrong quarterback and he’s lost benefit of doubt

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Arthur Smith has lost too many games this season as the Falcons’ coach – too many games to bad teams, to bad quarterbacks, to four teams that already have been eliminated from playoff contention, to one that already has fired its head coach. Beyond the mathematics that suggest the Falcons are still in the playoff race, …

Falcons coach Arthur Smith’s job security in question after 9-7 loss to the NFL’s worst team
1 year ago

Falcons coach Arthur Smith’s job security in question after 9-7 loss to the NFL’s worst team

Associated Press  

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Arthur Smith’s job security is in question after the Atlanta Falcons squandered a lead Sunday and lost to the NFL’s worst team. “There’s consequences when you lose so these are natural questions, right?” Smith said during a postgame news conference. “Make sure we have the right plan and make the right decision that’s in the best interest …

Arthur Smith, Desmond Ridder face questions about future after Falcons’ loss to Panthers
1 year ago

Arthur Smith, Desmond Ridder face questions about future after Falcons’ loss to Panthers

New York Times  

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Atlanta Falcons are almost out of the playoff race, completely out of explanations for their struggles and now answering questions about whether some people are going to be out of jobs. “I mean, this one hurts,” Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell said after Atlanta lost 9-7 to the worst team in the league, the Carolina Panthers. …

Falcons leave New York with division lead safe, but offensive issues persist
1 year ago

Falcons leave New York with division lead safe, but offensive issues persist

New York Times  

The Atlanta Falcons left New York in sole possession of first place Sunday evening, and coach Arthur Smith is going to have to take solace in that because his offense didn’t give him much to feel good about in a 13-8 win over the New York Jets. “Sometimes the game gets ugly in the elements,” Smith said, alluding to a …

Desmond Ridder back at QB for Falcons: Now he and Arthur Smith are in it together
1 year, 1 month ago

Desmond Ridder back at QB for Falcons: Now he and Arthur Smith are in it together

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith is going back to Desmond Ridder as his starting quarterback, and they are going down the homestretch of the regular season together — a homestretch that could prove critical to their long-term futures in Atlanta. “He’s done a really good job of taking advantage of what could be perceived as a …

Falcons’ Smith reinstates Ridder as starting QB for key NFC South game against Saints
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ Smith reinstates Ridder as starting QB for key NFC South game against Saints

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons returned from their bye facing a must-win game against NFC South rival New Orleans. Heinicke was not available for Monday’s practice, but Smith said the decision to name Ridder as the starter was “absolutely” intended to last the remainder of the season and was not based on Heinicke’s health. “I think the reset …

Falcons to start QB Desmond Ridder in Week 12 vs. Saints, per source: Why it’s not a surprise
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons to start QB Desmond Ridder in Week 12 vs. Saints, per source: Why it’s not a surprise

New York Times  

The Atlanta Falcons are making a change at quarterback again and will start Desmond Ridder next week against the New Orleans Saints, a league source confirmed. Ridder, who was benched after a spate of turnovers, finished last week’s game against the Arizona Cardinals game after Heinicke suffered a low-grade hamstring injury. Pro football is going to test you in every …

Falcons’ Smith could use Ridder’s ‘reset’ as a key factor in picking a starting quarterback
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ Smith could use Ridder’s ‘reset’ as a key factor in picking a starting quarterback

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — As Arthur Smith uses a bye week to consider what he hopes will be his final starting quarterback decision of the Atlanta Falcons’ season, Desmond Ridder’s strongest pitch may have been the confidence he showed when he replaced the injured Taylor Heinicke in last Sunday’s 25-23 loss at Arizona. “I thought it was a good reset for Des,” …

Falcons unable to answer lingering quarterback questions in loss to Cardinals
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons unable to answer lingering quarterback questions in loss to Cardinals

Associated Press  

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Atlanta Falcons are still searching for answers at quarterback — and time is running out. “The way these games are, most of them come down to one possession, and it’s those small, little things that make a big difference,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. Heinicke’s middling performance and injury, coupled with Desmond Ridder leading the Falcons …

Falcons coach Arthur Smith isn’t getting fired. Arthur Blank is right to let it play out
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons coach Arthur Smith isn’t getting fired. Arthur Blank is right to let it play out

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — There has been no “Win now, or else” mandate from Falcons owner Arthur Blank to coach Arthur Smith in recent days. “That’s what makes you sick to your stomach — we’ve had things on a platter for us and we didn’t make the play,” Smith said. It’s worth noting Blank has fired a coach in-season only …

Falcons’ Smith wants to avoid ‘musical chairs’ at QB as Heinicke prepares for second start
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ Smith wants to avoid ‘musical chairs’ at QB as Heinicke prepares for second start

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Arthur Smith expects to provide clarity on the Atlanta Falcons’ long-term plan at quarterback soon. Smith said Wednesday the decision is “my responsibility and what they pay me for.” He said he doesn’t want uncertainty at the position to continue through the season. “With the bye, hopefully we’ll get this win and can take a second …

Falcons’ Smith shaves mustache in sleepless night but keeps Heinicke as starting QB
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ Smith shaves mustache in sleepless night but keeps Heinicke as starting QB

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Arthur Smith has shaved his mustache and is keeping Taylor Heinicke as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback. Smith said Monday he is sticking with Heinicke for this week’s game at Arizona after the veteran produced mixed results in his first start for Atlanta. Following the game, Smith said “we have to change something to get over the hump.” …

Falcons bench Desmond Ridder, announce Taylor Heinicke as starter against Vikings
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons bench Desmond Ridder, announce Taylor Heinicke as starter against Vikings

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Taylor Heinicke said he’s focusing only on one game and not his long-term role after moving past turnover-plagued Desmond Ridder as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback against the Minnesota Vikings. Smith said Wednesday that Ridder is “clear and available” and will be Heinicke’s top backup against the Vikings. When asked if Heinicke could win the job …

Falcons appear to have a QB controversy after Heinicke shines, Ridder struggles
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons appear to have a QB controversy after Heinicke shines, Ridder struggles

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are trying to downplay any talk of a quarterback controversy. My concern is Des.” Heinicke led the Falcons on four scoring drives — two touchdowns and two field goals — while completing 12 of 21 passes for 171 yards. “There’s a lot of things in all games that we can clean up and be better …

Falcons’ best chance to win now might be Taylor Heinicke, not Desmond Ridder
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ best chance to win now might be Taylor Heinicke, not Desmond Ridder

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — This might sound strange after he endured more than two years of a rebuild that included trading two franchise icons, watched his team’s owner play contract footsie with Deshaun Watson and went 14-20 with far too many minimum-salary veterans. It would be naïve to believe that didn’t impact Smith’s decision to stick with backup Taylor Heinicke …

Atlanta coach Arthur Smith insists benching Ridder for Heinicke for safety, not performance
1 year, 1 month ago

Atlanta coach Arthur Smith insists benching Ridder for Heinicke for safety, not performance

Associated Press  

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Atlanta coach Arthur Smith was asked several different ways, and his answer Sunday on changing quarterbacks at halftime came down to protecting Desmond Ridder after the starter was evaluated for a concussion. “He’s thrown the ball pretty well,” Smith said of Ridder. “Obviously, we’ve got a lot of confidence in him as our starter.” Heinicke managed to …

Matt Ryan says ‘next 6 weeks’ may tell story for Desmond Ridder’s future
1 year, 2 months ago

Matt Ryan says ‘next 6 weeks’ may tell story for Desmond Ridder’s future

New York Times  

ATLANTA — The first pass Matt Ryan ever threw in the NFL sailed into the hands of Michael Jenkins for a 62-yard touchdown, and I confessed to the Falcons’ former quarterback Wednesday that my first thought at the end of his rookie debut was: “The Falcons drafted Roger Staubach.” He laughed — because the great market correction came a week …

Ridder suffers regression as another 3-turnover game handcuffs Falcons in loss to Commanders
1 year, 2 months ago

Ridder suffers regression as another 3-turnover game handcuffs Falcons in loss to Commanders

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Desmond Ridder’s second three-turnover game in his last three starts left the second-year quarterback open for renewed questions about his inconsistency and even his job security as the Atlanta Falcons’ starter. “Obviously, that’s tough right there to go out there and put up that showing,” Ridder said. Coach Arthur Smith was second-guessed for his decision to call for …

Falcons say Desmond Ridder proved Sunday what they’ve known: ‘He’s built for this’
1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons say Desmond Ridder proved Sunday what they’ve known: ‘He’s built for this’

New York Times  

ATLANTA — The voices questioning Desmond Ridder’s ability to lead the Atlanta Falcons or any other NFL team have been so loud that head coach Arthur Smith figures his quarterback would have had to spend the last week in “western Australia, the other end of the earth” not to hear them. “He’s a young player, getting better each and every …

Falcons QB Desmond Ridder facing questions about job security in test against C.J. Stroud, Texans
1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons QB Desmond Ridder facing questions about job security in test against C.J. Stroud, Texans

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — A fast start, and a home win, could take some heat off Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder. Falcons coach Arthur Smith said “the easy thing is to jerk the wheel” by benching Ridder after only four games in his first full season as the starter. “The last two results were hard to win, not getting off to a …

Season too important for Falcons to wait on Desmond Ridder much longer
1 year, 2 months ago

Season too important for Falcons to wait on Desmond Ridder much longer

New York Times  

ATLANTA — The Falcons have scored six and seven points in their last two games. I’m not sure if this suggests Desmond Ridder’s relative football “WAR” merely is something to be desired or that the Falcons should consider luring Ronald Acuña Jr. to play quarterback, but one thing seems certain: Something has to change with Atlanta’s NFL team. Arthur Smith …

Desmond Ridder’s performance shows Falcons still have a quarterback problem
1 year, 2 months ago

Desmond Ridder’s performance shows Falcons still have a quarterback problem

New York Times  

DETROIT — Desmond Ridder is only 24 years old with seven NFL starts on his resume, so don’t take this as some declaration that there is no hope for him in his NFL career. A team with Pitts, London and Robinson is not supposed to take possession after a Jessie Bates interception at the Lions’ 43 and then run four …

Falcons coach Arthur Smith brushes off dismal passing stats following opening win over Panthers
1 year, 3 months ago

Falcons coach Arthur Smith brushes off dismal passing stats following opening win over Panthers

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Arthur Smith wanted to relish his first winning record in his three seasons as the Atlanta Falcons’ coach. In his news conference following Sunday’s 24-10 season-opening win over the Carolina Panthers, Smith wasn’t interested in a question which began by noting that his quarterback, Desmond Ridder, had more catches than his No. It was not a great showing …

Can Falcons QB Desmond Ridder overcome his draft pedigree? His teammates think so
1 year, 5 months ago

Can Falcons QB Desmond Ridder overcome his draft pedigree? His teammates think so

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The history of quarterbacks drafted in the third round is not on Desmond Ridder’s side, but you wouldn’t have known it during Atlanta’s offseason workouts, his teammates say. Wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside called him “a natural-born leader.” Tight end Jonnu Smith noted Ridder’s “great presence.” “When he talks, you listen,” Smith said. Beathard 12 2016 Jacoby …

Falcons’ Ridder emboldened by 4-game audition entering 2023 as starting QB
1 year, 6 months ago

Falcons’ Ridder emboldened by 4-game audition entering 2023 as starting QB

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Desmond Ridder’s four-game audition as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback at the end of the 2022 season was crucial for the confidence of all players entering the 2023 season. Matthews said after Wednesday’s organized team activities workout the four-game audition provided a “very” important reason to believe other starters on offense can have confidence in Ridder. …

Falcons OTA observations: Desmond Ridder’s accuracy already a hot topic?
1 year, 6 months ago

Falcons OTA observations: Desmond Ridder’s accuracy already a hot topic?

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Desmond Ridder wasn’t off the field Wednesday afternoon before Twitter was buzzing about the Atlanta quarterback’s accuracy. “I was asking Coach about it, and said, ‘Let’s put the tape on, I’ll show you what I think,’” Campbell told FOX5, the team’s official TV partner. It was an important piece for making the decision and they were …

Schultz: On being late to meet Arthur Smith, the Burrow effect and Desmond Ridder’s chance
1 year, 6 months ago

Schultz: On being late to meet Arthur Smith, the Burrow effect and Desmond Ridder’s chance

New York Times  

ATLANTA — The first time Desmond Ridder met Arthur Smith, he was late. “I finally got pulled away from the other coaches by someone to go see them, I walk in and the first thing I hear is, ‘You’re late!’” Ridder told The Athletic. 1 job but after going through “all the cut-ups and film” and understanding which quarterbacks likely …

Heinicke says he signed with Falcons to be Ridder’s backup
1 year, 9 months ago

Heinicke says he signed with Falcons to be Ridder’s backup

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Desmond Ridder’s status as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback was confirmed by his new backup, Taylor Heinicke, on Thursday. Heinicke signed his two-year contract with the Falcons believed to be worth up to $20 million on Thursday and then said his job will be to support Ridder, who started the final four games of the 2022 season as …

AP source: QB Heinicke returning home to sign with Falcons
1 year, 9 months ago

AP source: QB Heinicke returning home to sign with Falcons

Associated Press  

Setting up a competition at quarterback, the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with Taylor Heinicke on a two-year contract worth up to $20 million, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. Now, after starting 24 games over the last two seasons with the Washington Commanders, he is headed to the Falcons to compete for a …

Falcons’ Blank excited about building around Ridder at QB
1 year, 10 months ago

Falcons’ Blank excited about building around Ridder at QB

Associated Press  

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Wednesday he is encouraged by the progress of quarterback Desmond Ridder and the potential of building around the rookie. “In the history of the Super Bowl, there hasn’t been one quarterback that represented 20% or more of the roster compensation,” Blank said. “So we were actually at that point with Matt.” Blank said a …

Falcons’ Smith faces QB decision after another 7-10 finish
1 year, 11 months ago

Falcons’ Smith faces QB decision after another 7-10 finish

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Arthur Smith saw a glimpse of the Atlanta Falcons’ future, with an offense featuring rookies Desmond Ridder, Tyler Allgeier and Drake London. That vision gave Smith, the Falcons’ second-year coach, confidence that this year’s 7-10 finish provides far more hope than his debut season, when Atlanta finished with the same record. Asked if he believes he deserves the …

Ridder Time: Falcons bench Mariota in favor of rookie QB
2 years ago

Ridder Time: Falcons bench Mariota in favor of rookie QB

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons are turning to rookie Desmond Ridder at quarterback, announcing Monday that Marcus Mariota has been benched with the team still in contention for a playoff berth but struggling with four losses in its past five games. Mariota was demoted by the Titans near the midway point of the 2019 season, spent the past …

Falcons rookie QB Ridder impresses Smith as a quick learner
2 years, 6 months ago

Falcons rookie QB Ridder impresses Smith as a quick learner

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Desmond Ridder has impressed himself — and coach Arthur Smith — with his ability to quickly absorb the Atlanta Falcons’ playbook. “He’s light years ahead of most other young quarterbacks from the neck up,” Smith said of Ridder. He said after Tuesday’s first minicamp practice he was surprised by his “overall knowledge of the offense.” The …

Arthur Smith signs deal to be Falcons coach
3 years, 11 months ago

Arthur Smith signs deal to be Falcons coach

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Arthur Smith has signed a contract with the Atlanta Falcons to be their next coach, the team announced Saturday. “Throughout our research and interview process, Arthur stood out amongst a very deep and very talented candidate pool with an outstanding plan for our organization to return to the level of competition our fans deserve and expect,” …

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