Desmond Ridder has been up and down in starting the first eight games of the season for the Atlanta Falcons, helping lead the franchise to a 4-4 record in that span.
Atlanta is set to go a different direction at quarterback, though, in Sunday’s bout with the Minnesota Vikings.
Did the Falcons Bench Desmond Ridder?
Ridder saw a rough start to the season continue during a Week 8 loss to the Tennessee Titans as he went 8 of 12 for 71 yards, along with running three times for 26 yards and losing yet another fumble, his seventh of the season.
The second-year QB was then pulled in favor of Taylor Heinicke to start the second half. Heinicke completed 12 of 21 pass attempts for 175 yards and one touchdown as he helped pull the Falcons back into the game despite their comeback effort ultimately falling short.
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That performance, combined with Ridder’s struggles, led Atlanta coach Arthur Smith to name Heinicke the team’s starter for the Week 9 bout with the Vikings.
Ridder has completed 157 of 240 pass attempts for 1,701 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions through eight starts, along with 139 rushing yards for three touchdowns and seven fumbles. He has also taken 25 sacks on the season.
Atlanta Turns to Taylor Heinicke
Heinicke has had some strong moments across his NFL career and will have a chance to make the most of another opportunity with the Falcons.
The veteran quarterback is now with his fourth NFL team after spending time with the Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, and Washington Commanders. Heinicke saw the most success in 2021 with Washington, throwing for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, along with 313 rushing yards and one score.
Heinicke made nine starts for Washington in 2022 before signing a two-year deal worth up to $20 million with Atlanta this offseason. His first appearance of the season came in relief of Ridder last week.
Now, Heinicke will have a chance to carve out more of a role in 2023.