-
Michael Rothstein, ESPN workers author
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Desmond Ridder is formally again because the Atlanta Falcons’ beginning quarterback – and never only for one week, however for the remainder of the season.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith stated Monday they’ve made the choice to return to Ridder and consider he provides them “the perfect alternative.”
Ridder formally sat for the Falcons for 2 video games and 1 / 4 – he was benched in favor of Taylor Heinicke at halftime of the Tennessee recreation after which got here in in aid of Heinicke after the veteran QB injured a hamstring within the fourth quarter of a Week 10 loss to Arizona.
Smith stated it is not assured Heinicke will observe this week because of the hamstring harm, and if he cannot go Sunday, Logan Woodside can be Ridder’s backup. However Smith stated he hopes the completely different viewpoint for Ridder, watching Heinicke, might assist in the long term.
“Loads occurred,” Smit stated. “Everybody has their very own tales, or when you have a look at historical past, sure issues have occurred to completely different gamers and quarterbacks and issues have come up.
“…Whether or not they’re uncommon or, you understand, extra conventional, I feel it is completely different for each participant. So there’s lots occurring, however I feel issues, the way in which they’ve labored out, I feel We’re in a very good place and Des is definitely ready and able to go.”
Ridder stated he felt “nice” in regards to the resolution to develop into a starter once more after utilizing the time on the bench to evaluate each his personal play and that of the offense. He stated he appeared on the staff’s vitality and the little issues that would have helped him defend the ball higher – footwork, his studying abilities and his progressions, whereas additionally “staying calm there.”
“My job is to be a beginning quarterback on this league,” Ridder stated Monday. “And so I come right here day by day and everybody, regardless of the quarterback or working again, regardless of your place, desires to be that starter.
“It simply so occurs that in our place there’s just one man who could be a starter and that is my job, so I’ve to take him and run with it.”
When he noticed Ridder within the fourth quarter in opposition to Arizona, Smith noticed confidence and a participant who “needed the ball in his fingers.” Now it is again in Ridder’s fingers for the Falcons.
Ridder has accomplished 65.4% of his passes for 1,740 yards, 6 touchdowns and 6 interceptions this season, with six misplaced fumbles. He additionally rushed for 4 touchdowns.
“We have now numerous confidence in Des,” Smith stated. “We expect he has handled it very effectively in latest weeks, lots has occurred.
“I feel the reset might be very useful for him.”
