1 year, 5 months ago

Falcons’ Ridder aims to eliminate turnovers while continuing to provide balance to offense

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons appeared to be committed to a run-first offense through the first four weeks of the season. Coach Arthur Smith says the offense is evolving, even if the changes have come with some pain, including Ridder’s three interceptions in last week’s 24-16 home loss to Washington. Even so, Ridder said Wednesday he hopes the Falcons’ sudden upswing in passing yards makes it more difficult for Tampa Bay to devise a defensive scheme for Sunday’s game. Obviously you want to eliminate the errors, but I’ve seen obvious improvement.” When asked about the new-look offense following Sunday’s loss, Smith said: “Why force 45 runs when you have other ways to move it? “Throughout the entire game there’s ups and downs.. You’ve kind of just got to take a good look in the mirror and see where you went wrong, where you could have done better and move on to the future.” NOTES: The Falcons released safety Jaylinn Hawkins, who started 16 games in 2022, and signed safety Micah Abernathy from the practice squad.

Game Offense Yards Smith Robinson Ridder eliminate balance falcons passing interceptions smith game games yards aims continuing turnovers weeks provide offense ridder

History of this topic

3 months ago

Falcons’ second-half collapse in Washington likely to haunt them for a long time

New York Times

— Unless they get some unlikely help from the unlikeliest of places next week, it’s going to be a long offseason for the Atlanta Falcons, and Sunday night at Northwest Stadium is what they’re going to be thinking about through most of it. “We have to control what the controllables are,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said, “go out there and …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Commanders-Falcons flexed to ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 17: See full changes

New York Times

A matchup that looked to be a meeting between current and former Washington quarterbacks has flex appeal. Instead, a game between two first-round rookie quarterbacks will get the “Sunday Night Football” treatment in Week 17. The NFL moved the Week 17 game with playoff implications between the Atlanta Falcons and the Commanders to the Sunday night slot on Dec. 29. …

3 months, 3 weeks 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 …

3 months, 4 weeks ago

Falcons’ Morris remains loyal to struggling QB Cousins despite 4 interceptions in loss to Chargers

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris insists Kirk Cousins’ struggles with interceptions didn’t cause him to consider a change at quarterback against the Los Angeles Chargers. Cousins threw four interceptions, matching his career high, including a final pick with 40 seconds remaining in the Falcons’ 17-13 loss to the Chargers on Sunday. You know, that guy’s carried us.” Morris …

4 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons denied sweep of Saints because of 3 missed FGs and failures on pass defense

Associated Press

ATLANTA — It should be no surprise the Atlanta Falcons won’t achieve perfection in their NFC South schedule. Atlanta was 4-0 against division opponents before failures on pass defense and three missed field goals helped to prevent a sweep of the season series against the Saints. That play served as a reminder the Atlanta defense was held without a sack …

5 months ago

Falcons Dominate Buccaneers, Take Control of NFC South

Associated Press

The Atlanta Falcons secured a 31-26 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a thrilling game that clinched their position as the NFC South leaders. Kirk Cousins threw for 276 yards and four touchdowns, while Kyle Pitts and Darnell Mooney each scored touchdowns for the Falcons. The Buccaneers' offense struggled against the Falcons' defense, with Baker Mayfield throwing for 330 …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Falcons are 3-0 against NFC South rivals as RBs Robinson, Allgeier take lead roles for offense

Associated Press

ATLANTA — One week after Kirk Cousins set a team and personal record by throwing for 509 yards with four touchdowns in a 36-30 overtime win over Tampa Bay, the Atlanta Falcons proved they can post similarly impressive numbers on the ground. With Bijan Robinson running for 95 yards and two touchdowns and Tyler Allgeier adding 105 yards and a …

5 months, 4 weeks ago

Falcons looking for more points from Cousins-led attack as they brace for visit from Mayfield, Bucs

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons had big plans for their offense when they decided to invest heavily in quarterback Kirk Cousins and add new coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. I think we know that, I think they know that, and I think we’re really comfortable being able to go out there and win football games however we …

6 months ago

Analysis: NFL is still a passing league despite early rise in running

Associated Press

On Football analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL from week to week. Not give up sacks.” NFL teams are averaging 119.5 yards rushing per game, up from 112.7 last season. “It’s been productive, so we’ve got good, positive yards from it.” Even with Patrick Mahomes under center, Kansas City is only 12th in passing and 15th in rushing this …

1 year ago

Falcons trade former starting QB Ridder to Cardinals for WR Moore

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons quickly moved on from Desmond Ridder, trading their former starting quarterback to the Arizona Cardinals for receiver Rondale Moore on Thursday. The dumping of Ridder was no surprise after the Falcons made a big splash in free agency by signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract that includes $100 million in guaranteed money. …

1 year, 2 months 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 …

1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons’ future up in the air as they head to New Orleans for season finale

New York Times

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons’ path to the playoffs is simple but not likely. “Thankfully, we still have an opportunity.” Smith, whose job status could depend on the outcome of those two games Sunday, said he won’t pay any attention to what’s going on in Carolina during the Falcons’ game but wouldn’t be surprised if announcements in the …

1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons have more quarterback questions as they cling to hopes of winning NFC South

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons’ season of uncertainty at quarterback will continue through the final week of the regular season. Falcons coach Arthur Smith said Monday that Taylor Heinicke, who left Sunday’s 37-17 loss to the Chicago Bears with a left ankle injury, will try to return this week. I know Taylor is going to put everything he …

1 year, 3 months ago

Falcons know they have little room for error with slim playoff hopes heading into matchup with Bears

Associated Press

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Atlanta Falcons are well aware of the situation they face with two games remaining and their postseason hopes hanging by a thread. Nothing matters but Chicago.. Good or bad, you’re just taking energy away from preparing for Sunday.. “If you go out there and you don’t play well in Chicago, then nothing else matters.” The …

1 year, 3 months ago

Falcons’ successful switch to QB Heinicke may not help in decision on coach Smith

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons’ best offensive showing of the season may not provide much clarity in team owner Arthur Blank’s decision on coach Arthur Smith’s future. Smith’s third quarterback change of the season, benching Desmond Ridder for the second time and starting Taylor Heinicke in Sunday’s 29-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts, led to the offensive success. Heinicke’s turnover-free …

1 year, 3 months 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 …

1 year, 3 months 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. …

1 year, 3 months ago

Falcons’ season teeters on the brink after a dismal loss. Smith and Ridder feel the heat

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are teetering on the brink after one of the worst losses in franchise history, an inexplicable setback that raised questions about the fates of coach Arthur Smith and quarterback Desmond Ridder. “Definitely a tough pill to swallow.” Having already benched Ridder earlier in the season, Smith all but said Monday that he’s planning another switch …

1 year, 3 months ago

Falcons still trying to solve the Desmond Ridder fourth-quarter riddle

New York Times

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons are as confused as anyone about why Desmond Ridder turns into a different quarterback in the fourth quarter. “That’s what we’re all trying to capture,” coach Arthur Smith said this week as his team prepared to face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. “As little kids, every single one of us, you were outside …

1 year, 3 months ago

Falcons squander a chance to take control in NFC South. Now it’s a 3-way tie for first place

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons squandered a huge chance to bring a bit of clarity to the muddled NFL South. We know it’s a tough challenge every week.” Atlanta was on the verge of delivering a potentially lethal blow to the Bucs’ playoff chances after Desmond Ridder led a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown drives for a 25-22 lead with under …

1 year, 3 months ago

Falcons lose another tight one, show no signs of breaking free from frustrating pattern

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The final play summed up the entire day for the Atlanta Falcons. “We should’ve come out of there with the win,” Ridder said, “but obviously we didn’t.” The Falcons came in with a.500 record that was good enough to lead the NFC South. Atlanta appeared in good shape again with Tampa Bay facing third-and-10 from the Falcons 47, …

1 year, 3 months ago

Falcons’ Sunday challenge starts with stopping Mike Evans, and the history isn’t good

New York Times

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The prospect of facing Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans in a critical game can’t be comforting for the Atlanta Falcons. “Evans is playing fantastic, so they’re getting the ball to him as many times as possible,” Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen said. “He’s a great player,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. This is how …

1 year, 3 months 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 …

1 year, 4 months ago

Ridder overcomes 2 interceptions to lead Falcons past Saints 24-15 and into first-place tie

Associated Press

ATLANTA — An Atlanta Falcons team looking to snap a three-game losing streak and remain in contention in the NFC South wasn’t going to be picky about how it won a game. “That’s where we need to be to close out game.” Smith said the Falcons’ six remaining games “will feel like six lifetimes” in the league’s only division where …

1 year, 4 months ago

How the Falcons rediscovered their ground game and ran into first place in the NFC South

New York Times

ATLANTA — When the Atlanta Falcons returned to their practice facility 14 days ago, fresh off their third loss in as many weeks — and to the lowly Arizona Cardinals on top of that — Kaden Elliss had little idea what to expect. The fight we had was something special.” The Falcons used that fight — and the benefit of …

1 year, 4 months 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 …

1 year, 4 months 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 …

1 year, 4 months ago

NFC North-leading Lions rally from 12-point deficit late to beat Bears 31-26 on Montgomery’s TD run

Associated Press

DETROIT — Jared Goff was having perhaps his worst game in three years with the Detroit Lions — whose fans even booed him at times — until it was time to win. Goff threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams with 3:06 to go and connected on five throws to set up David Montgomery’s go-ahead 1-yard touchdown run with …

1 year, 4 months 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 …

1 year, 4 months 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,” …

1 year, 4 months 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 …

1 year, 4 months ago

Falcons enter their bye with a lot to figure out, starting with quarterback

New York Times

The Atlanta Falcons have plenty of questions after dropping their third straight game Sunday in Arizona. We have to make a decision.” Smith, who didn’t name a starter Sunday in Arizona, said last week he would use the team’s upcoming bye to evaluate the quarterback position and pick the player he thought should start for the rest of the season. …

1 year, 4 months 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 …

1 year, 4 months ago

Vikings, Falcons share 4-4 records and uncertain quarterback plans for the remainder of the season

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons have more in common than the 4-4 records they take into Sunday’s game. Perhaps the only certainty for either team’s immediate future at the position is the Vikings know they’ve lost Kirk Cousins until 2024 with a torn right Achilles tendon last week. Heinicke says he’s focused only on the one game …

1 year, 5 months 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 …

1 year, 5 months 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 …

1 year, 5 months ago

Falcons QB Desmond Ridder not benched vs. Titans for performance reasons, coach says

New York Times

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith didn’t shed much light on his team’s quarterback situation after replacing starter Desmond Ridder with Taylor Heinicke at halftime of a 28-23 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Ridder could not pinpoint a play on which an injury might have occurred and said he didn’t feel “off.” “The coaches are with …

1 year, 5 months ago

How the Falcons’ mistakes on offense led to their third loss in four games

New York Times

ATLANTA — After a 2-0 start, the Atlanta Falcons have lost three of their last four games, including a 24-16 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday. You never want to lose at all, but I think when we understand what we have to do to become successful to be the best offense, we can be.” The Falcons defense held …

1 year, 5 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 …

1 year, 5 months ago

Howell throws 3 TD passes, Commanders pick off three Ridder passes in 24-16 win over Falcons

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Jamin Davis sensed where the final pass was going before it left the quarterback’s hand. Davis snagged the last of three second-half interceptions against Atlanta’s Desmond Ridder, sealing Washington’s 24-16 victory over the Falcons on Sunday. Kendall Fuller grabbed the first interception against Ridder, returning it deep into Atlanta territory to set up Howell’s screen pass to running …

1 year, 5 months ago

Schultz: Falcons’ Desmond Ridder, Arthur Smith failed in winnable moments

New York Times

ATLANTA — The Falcons’ game entertainment staff chose to salute the 1980s Sunday. In another, the coach, who already was hit once with a delay of game penalty, can’t get a play called quickly enough — after the ball had been spiked to stop the clock — and has to burn his final timeout in the final minute of a …

1 year, 5 months ago

Ridder, Falcons look to keep passing game clicking against struggling Commanders

Associated Press

WASHINGTON at ATLANTA Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, CBS OPENING LINE: Falcons by 2 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. FALCONS PLAYER TO WATCH: Rookie RB Bijan Robinson ran for only 46 yards last week against Houston but still made an impact with a 6-yard scoring catch, pulling the ball in with his left hand against his hip before scoring. STATS AND …

1 year, 5 months ago

Falcons mailbag: Where are the sacks? Is the defense better? Too much Bijan Robinson?

New York Times

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — With more than a quarter of the season complete, the Atlanta Falcons are a half-game out of the NFC South lead heading into Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders. The biggest subject this season has been quarterback Desmond Ridder, but we’re going to dig deeper today in our Falcons mailbag. I’m a fan of Nielsen, such …

1 year, 5 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 …

1 year, 5 months ago

Desmond Ridder answers critics, Younghoe Koo kicks last-second field goal, Falcons edge Texans 21-19

Associated Press

ATLANTA — All the talk from Atlanta coach Arthur Smith the last two years about Desmond Ridder’s poise and composure meant little until the quarterback demonstrated he could shine in the final minute with a game on the line. Ridder passed and ran for touchdowns, providing a response to those who had called for him to be benched, Younghoe Koo …

1 year, 5 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 …

1 year, 5 months ago

Falcons QB Ridder facing more heat after 3 turnovers adds to offense’s struggles

Associated Press

1 year, 5 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 …

1 year, 6 months ago

Falcons QB Ridder vows to shake off rough day after INTs in 23-7 loss to Jaguars

Associated Press

LONDON — Desmond Ridder hasn’t put up big numbers in his handful of NFL starts for the Atlanta Falcons. “The reality is we put ourselves in a whole — and we can’t turn the ball over,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. “So that’s something we’ve got to look at, and it’s not just one person.” Jacksonville stuffed the Falcons’ run-heavy …

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