Falcons QB Ridder delivers mixed results in debut as starter
2 years ago

Falcons QB Ridder delivers mixed results in debut as starter

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — There was more to be learned from rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder’s debut than his poor passing production, another Atlanta Falcons loss and continued scoring woes. “He’s not scared of the moment,” Smith said, adding Ridder is “made of the right stuff.” Ridder also showed leadership when he quickly ran to London following the fumble to provide encouragement. Even when bolstered by a strong game from yet another rookie, running back Tyler Allgeier, Ridder couldn’t provide enough spark to prevent the Falcons’ fifth loss in their last six games. WHAT NEEDS HELP Smith said Ridder at times looked “amped up” and was “pressing,” as would be expected of a rookie playing his first regular-season game.

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History of this topic

QB Penix gives Falcons reason for hope as defense faces possible offseason changes after 8-9 finish
4 days, 10 hours ago

QB Penix gives Falcons reason for hope as defense faces possible offseason changes after 8-9 finish

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Michael Penix Jr. left the Atlanta Falcons’ practice facility on Monday clutching two game balls as keepsakes from a rookie season that ended with his first three starts. Despite Penix passing for 312 yards and accounting for three touchdowns — two passing and one rushing — Atlanta’s 44-38 overtime loss to Carolina on Sunday extended the …

Bryce Young accounts for 5 TDs as Panthers beat Falcons 44-38 in OT. Atlanta misses playoffs again
5 days, 13 hours ago

Bryce Young accounts for 5 TDs as Panthers beat Falcons 44-38 in OT. Atlanta misses playoffs again

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers have more in common than frustrating streaks of seven consecutive losing seasons. “We took a step back today, a huge step.” Rookie Michael Penix Jr. capped his late-season, three-game introduction as Atlanta’s starting quarterback by passing for 312 yards and two touchdowns — both to Drake London, who had 10 catches for …

Falcons are leaning on rookie QB Penix as they try to protect fading playoff hopes against Panthers
1 week, 1 day ago

Falcons are leaning on rookie QB Penix as they try to protect fading playoff hopes against Panthers

Associated Press  

Carolina at Atlanta Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS BetMGM NFL Odds: Falcons by 8 1/2 Series record: Falcons lead 37-22 Against the spread: Panthers 7-9, Falcons 7-9 Last meeting: Falcons beat Panthers 38-20 at Carolina on Oct. 13. Panthers offense: overall, rush, pass, scoring Panthers defense: overall, rush, pass, scoring Falcons offense: overall, rush, pass, scoring Falcons defense: overall, rush, pass, …

Jayden Daniels dazzles again as Commanders clinch a playoff spot by beating Falcons 30-24 in OT
1 week, 5 days ago

Jayden Daniels dazzles again as Commanders clinch a playoff spot by beating Falcons 30-24 in OT

Associated Press  

— Jayden Daniels felt tired. Daniels connected with Zach Ertz in overtime for his third touchdown pass of the game to clinch a playoff spot by beating the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 in overtime Sunday night in a back-and-forth prime-time showdown between highly drafted rookie quarterbacks. “I really can’t put into words how much it means to them and how much …

Commanders-Falcons flexed to ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 17: See full changes
3 weeks, 4 days 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. …

Slumping Falcons try to keep pace in NFC South when visiting the skidding Raiders
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Slumping Falcons try to keep pace in NFC South when visiting the skidding Raiders

Associated Press  

LAS VEGAS — Four games remain in the regular season, but the playoffs might as well be underway for the Falcons, who find themselves in a tailspin at just the wrong time. We have to control what we can, and that’s the next game.” Morris has been asked repeatedly over the past two weeks about the struggles of quarterback Kirk …

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

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

Falcons trade former starting QB Ridder to Cardinals for WR Moore
9 months, 3 weeks 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. …

After Falcons fizzle, coach Arthur Smith deflects when asked about his future
1 year 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 have more quarterback questions as they cling to hopes of winning NFC South
1 year 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 …

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. …

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

Falcons lose another tight one, show no signs of breaking free from frustrating pattern
1 year, 1 month 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, …

Ridder, Falcons do just enough to pull out an ugly 13-8 win over struggling Jets
1 year, 1 month ago

Ridder, Falcons do just enough to pull out an ugly 13-8 win over struggling Jets

Associated Press  

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The rain was falling, penalty flags were flying and the Atlanta Falcons kept slogging away. Desmond Ridder threw a 20-yard pass to MyCole Pruitt in the second quarter for the game’s only touchdown and the Falcons took over sole possession of first place in the NFC South with an ugly 13-8 victory over the punchless New …

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

Ridder overcomes 2 interceptions to lead Falcons past Saints 24-15 and into first-place tie
1 year, 1 month 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 …

How the Falcons rediscovered their ground game and ran into first place in the NFC South
1 year, 1 month 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 …

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’ Smith wants to avoid ‘musical chairs’ at QB as Heinicke prepares for second start
1 year, 2 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 …

Falcons’ offense is failing, and that’s on Arthur Smith, not the quarterback
1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons’ offense is failing, and that’s on Arthur Smith, not the quarterback

New York Times  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are going to be in the market for a quarterback after this season, barring some unlikely turn of events, like a herd of unicorns galloping down Peachtree and screaming, “Rise up!” next week, and even that seems more plausible right now than this team standing pat with Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. 3-ish Josh Dobbs, …

Falcons bench Desmond Ridder, announce Taylor Heinicke as starter against Vikings
1 year, 2 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 …

Falcons appear to have a QB controversy after Heinicke shines, Ridder struggles
1 year, 2 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 …

Falcons’ best chance to win now might be Taylor Heinicke, not Desmond Ridder
1 year, 2 months 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, 2 months 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 …

Falcons QB Desmond Ridder not benched vs. Titans for performance reasons, coach says
1 year, 2 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 …

Falcons’ Ridder aims to eliminate turnovers while continuing to provide balance to offense
1 year, 2 months ago

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

Associated Press  

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 …

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 …

How the Falcons’ mistakes on offense led to their third loss in four games
1 year, 2 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 …

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 …

Howell throws 3 TD passes, Commanders pick off three Ridder passes in 24-16 win over Falcons
1 year, 2 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 …

Ridder, Falcons look to keep passing game clicking against struggling Commanders
1 year, 2 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 …

Falcons say Desmond Ridder proved Sunday what they’ve known: ‘He’s built for this’
1 year, 3 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 …

Desmond Ridder answers critics, Younghoe Koo kicks last-second field goal, Falcons edge Texans 21-19
1 year, 3 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 …

Falcons QB Desmond Ridder facing questions about job security in test against C.J. Stroud, Texans
1 year, 3 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, 3 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 …

Falcons QB Ridder vows to shake off rough day after INTs in 23-7 loss to Jaguars
1 year, 3 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 …

Desmond Ridder’s performance shows Falcons still have a quarterback problem
1 year, 3 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 …

How to grade Desmond Ridder? The 2-0 Falcons say ‘he embodies what we’re about’
1 year, 3 months ago

How to grade Desmond Ridder? The 2-0 Falcons say ‘he embodies what we’re about’

New York Times  

ATLANTA — Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder doesn’t grab a stat sheet when games are over and doesn’t pay much attention to his passing numbers during the week. “You can’t just go look at, ‘I was however many out of however many,’ and say, ‘This is how I played in this game,’” Ridder said. “He’s got a belief, and he’s …

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 …

Schultz: Falcons answer some questions with win, but Desmond Ridder needs to be better
1 year, 4 months ago

Schultz: Falcons answer some questions with win, but Desmond Ridder needs to be better

New York Times  

ATLANTA — There was a point in the third quarter when the boos slowly melted into begrudging “Koooos.” The boos had decidedly more passion, more oomph, a greater sense of projected season-long dread. “That’s the biggest thing as a quarterback — you can’t turn the ball over and put your team in those messed-up situations,” Bates said. That’s what good …

Ridder is big ‘if’ at quarterback as Falcons set sights on winning season
1 year, 5 months ago

Ridder is big ‘if’ at quarterback as Falcons set sights on winning season

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — New Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss looks across the line of scrimmage at training camp and sees all the pieces of a balanced, productive offense. “He’s got a great opportunity in front of him and you can tell he’s ready to take advantage of it.” Ridder’s control of the offense also has made an impression on …

Falcons leaning on defensive additions, run game to support QB Ridder as they enter camp
1 year, 5 months ago

Falcons leaning on defensive additions, run game to support QB Ridder as they enter camp

Associated Press  

ATLANTA FALCONS CAMP SITE: Flowery Branch, Georgia KEY ADDITIONS: Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, CB Jeff Okudah, OLB Bud Dupree, S Jessie Bates III, TE Jonnu Smith, DT David Onyemata, DE Calais Campbell, OLB Kaden Elliss, QB Taylor Heinicke, CB Mike Hughes, WR Scotty Miller, WR Mack Hollins, CB Tre Flowers. KEY LOSSES: Defensive coordinator Dean Pees, G Elijah Wilkinson, CB …

Can Falcons QB Desmond Ridder overcome his draft pedigree? His teammates think so
1 year, 6 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 …

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