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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Urben

CBS Sports says Falcons should bench QB Desmond Ridder

The Atlanta Falcons are letting quarterback Desmond Ridder steer the ship and it’s been a bumpy ride through the first six games. The second-year QB has passed for six touchdowns and six interceptions this season while leading the team to a 3-3 record.

Ridder threw three interceptions during Sunday’s loss to the Washington Commanders, which comes just one week after he played arguably the best game of his NFL career. Will the Falcons continue to roll with Ridder, or is it time to give Taylor Heinicke a shot?

CBS Sports thinks it’s officially time for Atlanta to bench Ridder:

The two interceptions Ridder threw late in the fourth quarter were brutal, especially the one in the red zone with Atlanta down 24-16. The Falcons outgained the Commanders 402 yards to 193 and picked up 25 first downs to Washington’s 13 — but lost because of Ridder’s three miscues. 

Ridder is supposed to be a game manager, yet struggles when the run game is taken away. Perhaps the Falcons should give Taylor Heinicke a shot, as they are still in the NFC South race at 3-3. They could be punting 2023 by keeping Ridder in. — Jeff Kerr, CBS Sports

The last time fans were calling for Ridder’s job, he responded with a career-high 329 passing yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Texans. Despite getting off to a solid start against the Commanders on Sunday, Ridder essentially gave the game away with his three turnovers.

Head coach Arthur Smith was patient with Marcus Mariota last season, so it’s hard to imagine him giving up on Ridder after six weeks. However, Smith did say the team had “turned the ball over too much lately” following Sunday’s loss.

The Falcons will look for their first road win of the season in Week 7 when they travel to Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers are 3-2 and coming off a loss to the Lions in Week 6.

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