The Atlanta Falcons got off to a better start than most analysts predicted this season, but after losing four out of five games, it’s time for change.
According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, rookie Desmond Ridder will replace Marcus Mariota as the team’s starting quarterback when Atlanta takes on New Orleans in Week 15.
Falcons fans have been calling for Ridder for the last several weeks and will finally get their wish next Sunday. Here’s how Twitter reacted to Thursday’s reported QB change.
Like this for a handful of reasons:
– Needed to be done; Mariota wasn't effective enough in passing game
– Mariota's cap hit goes from $4mil to $14 mil next season; can save $12mil
– Hopefully means Ridder isn't behind schedule and is ready to get in and learn from real action https://t.co/VHTzeQYR9v— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) December 8, 2022
Falcons HC Arthur Smith loved Desmond Ridder’s toughness/IQ. Ridder was 2nd QB picked (RD3) in April. Ridder impressed in preseason & it was to make change from Marcus Mariota.
Ridder gets 4-game run to show GM Terry Fontenot & Smith what he’s got ahead of 2023 Draft decisions.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) December 8, 2022
Let’s Get it Ridder It’s your time 👏🏽👏🏽 https://t.co/FgudVpTDzh
— YoungKing (@King2Solid_) December 8, 2022
6 weeks too late but FINALLY! https://t.co/bju10Qlt8I
— Jackson State by FAWDY (@FOODel_Castro) December 8, 2022
I give it 2 quarters before Mariota is back https://t.co/3PP2nqAa9Z
— DaCaniac🎅🏿 (@CaniacDaBaby) December 8, 2022
It's always going to be a wait and see process for a QB drafted in the 3rd round. If he can progress at a somewhat quick rate and be a more efficient QB than Mariota was, they will win more and play out of the range for QBs in the draft. #DirtyBirds https://t.co/vY6vDYH3O0
— Scott Carasik (@CarasikS) December 8, 2022
So they just opting out of making the playoffs? Lmaoo https://t.co/HznRbzDSx0
— Capt’n Black Sparrow🏴☠️🤴🏾 (@KM__Certified_) December 8, 2022
FALCONS FANS REJOICE !!!!!! https://t.co/ssnGDYWaB1
— Cam©️ (@CeezusCam) December 8, 2022
They have a chance to make the playoffs and they doing this? Weird to me https://t.co/ZK6UzXk0T8
— 𝕁𝒶🄺 ҽ (@Jet__Hardman) December 8, 2022
IMHO, Desmond Ridder starting now is proper way to bring up a rookie QB. Give them a least half-to-whole a season on bench (see Lamar, Mahomes, Brady) to learn, and if possible, do it during a bye week. Stop throwing kids into the fire (see every young Jets QB ever). https://t.co/07JiAbuotG
— ChuckModi (@ChuckModi1) December 8, 2022
Woo! Ridder time let’s go🙌 https://t.co/hlGQJ4JFNI
— jesse c phillips (@JesseCPhillips) December 8, 2022
RIDDER SZNNNNN
— 🇬🇧 Atlanta Falcons 🔴⚫ (@ATLFalconsUK) December 8, 2022
FINALLY!!! https://t.co/2Op0DKOWEB
— Andrew Van Cura (@AndrewVan) December 8, 2022
The true test begins now https://t.co/2HpwMzsVvK
— 🎰 (@SRTerrio_) December 8, 2022
Let's gooooo. Was initially a Ridder hater but I slowly came around. Def an upgrade over Mariota, whether this year or next. https://t.co/eQeboxpHmz
— Jesse who Bets 🇺🇦 (@BaconGamesJesse) December 8, 2022
this is billed as "looking to the future" but it also could very plausibly be the thing which wins the division for the Falcons! https://t.co/XygusuT6Q3
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) December 8, 2022
Unleash the Desmond and Drake connection‼️‼️ https://t.co/Wmp4IMQbRQ
— Tito🦋 (@NBLTITO) December 8, 2022
Marcus Mariota is due $12 million in 2023 — including a $3 million roster bonus due on the 5th day of the league in March. So, a decision looms on his future as the #Falcons move on to Desmond Ridder.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 8, 2022
Everyone in Atlanta knew on Sunday 😂 https://t.co/W4tOihAyhC
— William Brandon (@1williambrandon) December 8, 2022
Desmond Ridder won a lot of fans among scouts and coaches during the pre-draft process. Now he gets his shot as the #Falcons’ starting QB after this week’s bye. https://t.co/gWz8HQ6uBW pic.twitter.com/44KKZ8hG8q
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 8, 2022
We’re really here. https://t.co/PqO1JWzEcE pic.twitter.com/nmIlOHxrzn
— holiday cheermeister. 🎄 (@himynameis_shay) December 8, 2022
Drake London managers: https://t.co/CBwk1sntt4 pic.twitter.com/HsPPrDPJGY
— Dan Williamson (@OverHypedSleepr) December 8, 2022
IT’S HAPPENING!!!!!! https://t.co/bY9oTHCtQO pic.twitter.com/0WVl5ftPYy
— LeatherBrainz Fantasy Football 🧠 (@leatherbrainz) December 8, 2022
The Falcons are 5-8 and during the bye week have decided to use the rest of their season to see what they have in their backup.
Novel idea https://t.co/y6sFNebeHv
— Bart Winkler (@WinksThinks) December 8, 2022
It’s time!! https://t.co/IAkQAg2hN2 pic.twitter.com/GChizfjkc5
— Jeremy Johnson (@JeremyO_Johnson) December 8, 2022
After 10+ weeks of Mariota ball https://t.co/qr5IrHLsri pic.twitter.com/6rlHOpytXc
— Giants 7-4 (@BigLonely_JR) December 8, 2022
THE ROAD TO THE SUPER BOWL STARTS NOW https://t.co/bn6aUgApOR
— Ryan (@rhopkins_) December 8, 2022
JUST GIVE US THE LOMBARDI ALREADY https://t.co/cG8w68iDKj pic.twitter.com/dlgZQ6JcRx
— howling cartoon wolf (@born2sht4sd2Ype) December 8, 2022
He has risen https://t.co/KZedTPzqtw pic.twitter.com/1TKhwSdt0m
— ❌ (@_X_X216) December 8, 2022
The Riddler https://t.co/aYFvCKlAmH pic.twitter.com/E6NbqU4zYW
— Dan from Torqua(Y) (@dan_torquay_man) December 8, 2022
No surprise here, after what Arthur Smith said after Sunday’s loss to Pittsburgh: “There will be changes made:” https://t.co/15cEW3VSuE https://t.co/bfaxhbzBYo
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) December 8, 2022
It's always going to be a wait and see process for a QB drafted in the 3rd round. If he can progress at a somewhat quick rate and be a more efficient QB than Mariota was, they will win more and play out of the range for QBs in the draft. #DirtyBirds https://t.co/vY6vDYH3O0
— Scott Carasik (@CarasikS) December 8, 2022
It’s Dez time ⌚️⌚️⌚️ https://t.co/Hda6Wn4mId pic.twitter.com/CTaUUGTE58
— OJ (@cheapie47) December 8, 2022
From NFL Now: The #Falcons are moving forward with Desmond Ridder as their QB. pic.twitter.com/TYo4aOnXwz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 8, 2022
