Falcons QB Desmond Ridder discusses being named starter

The most important part of being an NFL quarterback is managing the inevitable ups and downs that come with playing the position. Every quarterback makes mistakes, but the good ones don’t get discouraged by them.

Staying cool in the face of adversity sets a tone that permeates throughout the rest of the team. That’s what Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is trying to do after being named the starter for the rest of the season.

Ridder was benched during Week 8, but after losing two straight games with Taylor Heinicke under center, head coach Arthur Smith made the switch back to Ridder for Week 12.

Talking with reporters on Monday, Ridder discussed how stepping back allowed him to reflect on his play and mentally prepare for his next opportunity.

“Looking at myself, you know there’s a lot of things that I could have went back and done better,” said Ridder. “Obviously, you know, I could have protected the ball but there’s a lot of situations that could have led you to not get in those situations. Whether it’s footwork, whether it’s your reads, whether it’s your progressions, it doesn’t matter.”

Watch Ridder’s full interview, as shared by ABC-TV sports director Zach Klein below. 

Falcons QB @desmondridder said the bye-week allowed for a lot of self reflection.

Ready to be QB1 for the remainder of the season and it starts Sunday vs the Saints pic.twitter.com/wSy3c8GBtZ

— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) November 20, 2023

Ridder’s chance at redemption just happens to come against the rival New Orleans Saints in Week 12. The winner of this Sunday’s game in Atlanta will lead the NFC South.