The Atlanta Falcons will make a change at the quarterback position as they try to stay alive in the NFC playoff race. According to NFL Network’s insider Ian Rapoport, veteran Marcus Mariota is headed to the bench, with rookie Desmond Ridder set to take over as the Falcons’ new starter.
The timing of the decision makes sense since Atlanta is on a bye this week. Ridder will have an opportunity to get extra reps with the first team and get ready for Week 15 against the New Orleans Saints.
Mariota played some good games in 2022 but showed plenty of inconsistency as QB 1. He led the Falcons to a 4-8 record while throwing for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
It makes sense for Atlanta to take a risk with Ridder in these circumstances. In the best-case scenario, the rookie will take them on a run that will help them get to the postseason. In the worst-case scenario, they will miss the playoffs but will get an extended look at Ridder and see if he is the future of their franchise.
Desmond Ridder spent his college career with the Cincinnati Bearcats. He started for four years at college, throwing for 10,239 yards, 87 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions. He was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, becoming the second QB to go off the board.
