The Atlanta Falcons are 2-2, but the team’s offense is nowhere near where people expected it to be four games in with the talent on the roster.
A lot of criticism has gone toward second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder, who is coming off perhaps his worst game yet as a starter against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
While some have wondered if the team would bench Ridder after his on-field struggles, the Falcons said they’re sticking with him and feel that he can improve.
Well, Ridder has one supporter in the locker room in rookie running back Bijan Robinson, who texted his quarterback a message of support after Sunday’s game.
Desmond Ridder said Bijan Robinson texted him after Sunday's game and said that he's behind him, he's supporting him and he has his back, too.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) October 4, 2023
It’s a really cool gesture to see from Robinson, who is already one of the league’s best running backs just four games into his first season.
However, it’s Robinson’s character that really shines here and his mature perspective in a tough moment for his football team.
Bijan Robinson sent a text to Desmond Ridder to encourage his QB after their loss in London. Here's why the rookie RB did it. A leader already in his young career.
"At the end of the day, we're human." #Falcons pic.twitter.com/p1X1VUWIhe— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) October 4, 2023
This is a really neat moment for the Falcons, and it shows how important it can be for your teammates to have your back in a time of struggle.
If Ridder can turn things around, he may point to a supportive text from Robinson as part of what encouraged him to improve.