NFL Falcons head coach Arthur Smith won’t bench QB Desmond Ridder
The Atlanta Falcons have struggled on offense during all four games this season but after Sunday’s 23-7 loss, fans are beginning to lose faith in Desmond Ridder as the team’s starting quarterback.
Ridder threw two interceptions, including a pick-six, and lost a fumble in Week 4. Thus far in 2023, the Falcons QB has 744 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.
With the Falcons now sitting at 2-2, some have begun to call for backup Taylor Heinicke. Head coach Arthur Smith was asked about the quarterback situation by team reporters on Monday, saying Ridder would remain the Falcons’ starter.
Falcons HC Arthur Smith: Desmond Ridder is still Atlanta's starter.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) October 2, 2023
However, Smith also left himself some wiggle room if things continue to spiral on offense. “When you’re not winning, everything is on the table,” Smith told reporters.
Arthur Smith on changes being on the table when you're not winning: when you're not winning, everything is on the table
— Jarvis Davis (@JarvisD90) October 2, 2023
The Falcons do have Heinicke on the roster if things don’t turn around soon. The former Commanders quarterback has started 24 games over the last two seasons, throwing for 32 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
We’ll see if Ridder fares any better when the Houston Texans come to Atlanta in Week 5.
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