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The Falcons are switching their quarterback and reverting to their original starter for Week 12.
Sources say Desmond Ridder, who began the season as Atlanta’s starter, is expected to resume that role on Nov. 26 against the Saints. Ridder has been the backup to Taylor Heinicke the last two games, both losses.
Ridder, just 24 years old, was evaluated for a concussion in Week 8 against the Titans. Heinicke replaced him at halftime of that game and started the following two weeks.
This season, Ridder has achieved a 4-4 record as a starter, with numerous significant moments. It is hoped that the two-game hiatus in which Heinicke took over will act as a reset for Ridder.
Falcons head coach Arthur Smith had said prior to this weekend’s bye that naming a QB during that week was a “little premature,” but added that he considered the hamstring injury that Heinicke suffered against the Cardinals to be a low-grade one. In short, the QB decision would be made, injury or not. Now, it’s slated to be Ridder.
Smith and Atlanta’s objective has been to designate a primary player and maintain him for the remainder of the season, instead of alternating. This should assist Ridder in settling in.
Ridder’s best performance of the season came during the Falcons’ last-second win over the now-red-hot Houston Texans on Oct. 8, throwing for 329 yards with a touchdown and zero turnovers. That’s the Ridder the Falcons want to see.
Following the team’s last-second loss to the Cardinals on Nov. 12, receiver Drake London said of losing, “I don’t want this to become a habit of ours. We just need to switch some things up. That’s it.”
The return of their original starter, coupled with a week of rest and recovery, should all prove beneficial for the Falcons. Ridder, who filled in for Heinicke at the end of last week’s game, showed promise by completing 4 out of 6 passes for 39 yards.
“Sometimes a fresh perspective is necessary,” Smith commented about Ridder earlier this week. “I believe that’s what aided him. He’s managed to reset, refocus, and work on aspects that I felt could be beneficial for him,” he added.
