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

Falcons HC Arthur Smith discusses Desmond Ridder’s progress

The Atlanta Falcons couldn’t get the job done in Week 16 and as a result, they have been eliminated from the playoff hunt. Saturday’s 17-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens dropped the Falcons to 5-10, but there were a few bright spots.

Rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder bounced back from a rough first outing with a solid performance in Baltimore. Ridder and wide receiver Drake London seem to have a natural chemistry playing together. London finished with seven catches and a career-high 96 receiving yards.

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After the game, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith didn’t want to talk about the questionable officiating, but he complimented his rookie QB.

“There was a couple of situations where we can be better and that’s what we’ll look to do,” said Smith. “I thought Desmond took another step against a pretty good defense, but at the end of the day, we didn’t win situational football. Baltimore did, and that’s why they walked away with a win.”

Smith also acknowledged London’s chemistry with Ridder.

“You could see it. I think they’ve got pretty good chemistry, that’s pretty obvious after two starts by him. Credit to Drake too, I mean there’s other guys that are working, getting open and there’s a trust factor there.”

Watch Smith’s full press conference below, as shared by the team’s YouTube channel.

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