April 19, 2024
ATLANTA (AP) — 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.
The 21-18 defeat at New Orleans on Sunday marked the start of a four-game audition for Ridder, playing in his first regular-season game following the switch from veteran Marcus Mariota.
Though the Falcons (5-9) are assured their fifth consecutive losing season, they remain in contention in the woeful NFC South. The Falcons are using the final month to evaluate Ridder’s status as a potential starter in 2023. His debut provided mixed results.
Ridder gave himself a bad grade — “a C-minus or a D” — after completing only 13 of 26 passes for 97 yards in his debut.
Coach Arthur Smith was looking at more than Ridder’s stats. Smith was impressed by Ridder’s late poise in rallying the Falcons from a 14-0 deficit, including a late fourth-and-5 completion to rookie Drake London from midfield with about two minutes remaining before London’s fumble ended the comeback bid.
“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.
Still, it wasn’t a winning debut. 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. Atlanta has been held under 20 points in each of the losses in that span.
