Marcus Mariota started the first 13 games for the Falcons in 2022, but when it became apparent that the team would miss the postseason, head coach Arthur Smith handed the keys over to rookie Desmond Ridder.
The former Cincinnati standout was one of two quarterbacks selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft. Ridder started the final four games for Atlanta, throwing for 708 passing yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.
The team went 2-2 in Ridder’s four starts, and while he didn’t exactly set the league on fire, his play improved in each game. With Mariota not likely to return in 2023, it appears to be Ridder’s job to lose this season.
The 33rd Team’s Matt Cassel (former Patriots and Chiefs QB) ranked his top 32 quarterbacks for 2023. The Falcons quarterback found himself ranked 32nd, behind Mike White (31st) and Sam Darnold (30th). Cassel ranked Ridder ahead of 49ers QB Trey Lance and Packers QB Jordan Love:
Assuming the Falcons don’t upgrade the QB position this offseason by trading for Lamar Jackson or signing a free agent to start, Ridder should get a chance to show what he can do with a full offseason.
