Earlier this week, Arthur Smith said Desmond Ridder is the starter for the Atlanta Falcons this year. Things can change, words can be stretched and scrutinized closely, but the foregone conclusion continues to be the foregone conclusion. The second-year pro is getting the chance to run this offense, and the Falcons are banking a lot on that going well.
They’re doing more than hoping, actually. By drafting Ridder last year and anointing him the starting quarterback in 2023, they’re inviting the mockery and approbation of the larger NFL and NFL media landscape, which simply can’t believe they’re giving the keys to Ridder when they could be trying to pursue Lamar Jackson.