The Atlanta Falcons have yet to officially declare a starting quarterback for the remainder of the season, but the team is expected to make the switch from Taylor Heinicke to Desmond Ridder after the bye week, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
From what I'm told, the Falcons believed the bulk of Ridder's mistakes were correctable & felt he had a lot of learning to do. A move back to him was always planned unless Taylor Heinicke went on a ridiculous run. It wasn't like they fell out of love with Ridder. Needed a reset. https://t.co/jNF4EZVsWs
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) November 19, 2023
Ridder started the first eight games of the season but was benched during the team’s Week 8 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said Ridder was sat down due to injury, but then Heinicke remained the starter once Ridder was cleared.
With the team sitting at 4-6, there isn’t a whole lot of reason to stick with Heinicke. Ridder has four game-winning drives, and whether or not you believe Heinicke is better, neither QB has been overly impressive thus far. Ridder at least has the chance to be the long-term starter for Atlanta.
Thus far in 2023, Ridder has passed for 1,740 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions. The Falcons return in Week 12 for a game against the New Orleans Saints at home.
