Going into the fifth game of the season, we have a decent idea of how this Falcons team operates. It’s pretty clear what’s clicking and what isn’t. In terms of the offense, the passing game has been an all-around disaster.
While the blame can be spread all over from the offensive line to head coach Arthur Smith, the spotlight will always shine brightest on the quarterback position. Second-year QB Desmond Ridder hasn’t been much of a factor this season.
Buy Falcons TicketsThis has been true even in the two games the Falcons have won. Ridder’s performance against the Jaguars was so discouraging that he is now ranked atop CBS Sports’ list of quarterbacks who are most likely to be benched:
Ridder ranks in the bottom 10 in the NFL in most key quarterback metrics as he struggles to take care of the football and push the ball downfield. – Garrett Podell, CBS Sports
The Falcons have lost two straight games on the road but the team returns to Atlanta for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans. If Ridder continues to struggle against the Texans in Week 5, the calls for backup Taylor Heinicke will grow louder.
Houston should no longer be considered an easy win for Atlanta as rookie QB C.J. Stroud has looked extremely sharp this season. A victory in Week 5 would put the Falcons back over .500.
Make sure to check out the team’s updated 53-man roster, depth chart and injury report heading into Sunday’s game.
