Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder has encountered a great deal of scrutiny this season for his performance on the field.
Ridder, who made his third consecutive start on Sunday against the Buccaneers since he was benched, delivered a perfect example for why he has experienced the on-the-field criticism when he failed to connect with running back Bijan Robison on a wide-open touchdown pass.
On third-and-goal from the Buccaneers’ 3-yard line, Robinson ran freely into the right flat, but Ridder’s pass was slightly overthrown for the rookie running back. With the incomplete pass, NFL fans ripped the second-year signal-caller on social media.
Desmond Ridder appeared to have Bijan Robinson for a TD on this play, but was unable to get it to him. pic.twitter.com/6qa7MBq80Y
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 10, 2023
The Falcons did manage to come away with three points on a 20-yard field goal from kicker Younghoe Koo. Three possessions later that included Atlanta giving up a touchdown to Tampa Bay, Ridder redeemed himself on a 36-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Pitts to tie the game at 10.
But, it’s safe to say that fans still believe the Falcons need a better quarterback to lead the offense.
Desmond Ridder literally one of the worst misses I ever seen https://t.co/2iIolDzBzi
— NewMediaSports (@NewMediaSports_) December 10, 2023
Falcons need a QB Falcons would be better if they did.
— Matthew (@Matt_h114) December 10, 2023
Ridder pic.twitter.com/FWDPXPJZbb
— BrotherMouzone (@FaxelLofey) December 10, 2023
Ridder looks like trailer trash get a new QB
— James Boonie 💎 (@JamesBoonie1) December 10, 2023
I will say, Bijan drifting into end zone instead of running flat but gotta put that on Bijan hands https://t.co/10LwOiSect
— Jay (@SimStrength) December 10, 2023
Desmond Ridder is not very good at football https://t.co/BqStODMdiy
— Ted Ashbrock (@TedsBestBetsMMA) December 10, 2023
How is he a starter in the NFL https://t.co/GGbycXqRxK
— THEFUTUREISBRIGHT!!!! (@JMia305) December 10, 2023
God this is such a bad throw lmao https://t.co/ysMNqJaSzW
— Telfo (@Telfo1) December 10, 2023