Former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan returned to Atlanta last week as a member of the CBS broadcast booth and got a first-hand look at the current state of the team, including second-year QB Desmond Ridder.
The Falcons’ 24-16 loss to the Commanders was a close game in which the team collapsed down the stretch. Ridder’s three interceptions were arguably the difference in the game.
So what exactly does Ryan think of Ridder’s future in Atlanta? The Athletic’s Jeff Schultz got the former league MVP’s take on the situation.
Ryan says Ridder's future could be determined over next 6 weeks
Spoke to Matt Ryan. He had some interesting things to say about Desmond Ridder, including that he’d be further ahead if he had played more games last season (amen) and his future as Falcons’ starting quarterback may well be determined in the next six weeks https://t.co/DGhfh2jGXe
— Jeff Schultz (@JeffSchultzATL) October 19, 2023
Falcons Twitter reacts to Ryan's comments
So basically he's saying that arthur smith is an idiot for starting mariota last yr instead if des. Cause had he given des the whole yr maybe he'd be better. I agree matt. I agree. https://t.co/ZhyLR9MNrV
— Yo238 (@JSS2445) October 19, 2023
If only Desmond had a real vet to learn from rather than Mariota. Would prolly be further along this year 😴 https://t.co/gYNY3CPZtU
— Rashad (@HuggyBear_90) October 19, 2023
(Whispers… they should’ve drafted Fields, and let Matt mentor him, and built the offense around him and he would’ve been in a better situation now, and been farther ahead of Ridder…) https://t.co/TxAoEK8O7Q
— ShAolin PHantAstic ⚡ (@Subtle_Charisma) October 19, 2023
It's a shame Ridder didn't get enough reps a year ago. It was clear he should have been playing, but his head coach was too stubborn for whatever reason. https://t.co/nHVsVkfSwb
— OGhoopsprguy (@exhoopsPRguy) October 19, 2023
Or in the preseason https://t.co/KMzFFrxNZz
— Chris (@Chri21opher) October 19, 2023
Matt Ryan says Desmond Ridder can make all the throws.
And that the next six weeks (16 total games) will determine his future in ATL. https://t.co/xrI3EpGkqq
— Rise Up Ridder (@RiseUpReader) October 19, 2023
If the falcons gave a damn they’d put Matt on staff in some capacity but ya know…what do i know lol https://t.co/hPcOELGGTA
— Jazmin Autumn Merritt (@autumn_jaz) October 19, 2023
Mariota giving the falcons "the best chance to win" last year was the biggest indictment I needed on Ridder https://t.co/sXrhtgQg8z
— Mont 🎭 (@DisAintStunna) October 19, 2023
So he said everything we knew already. So like his last few years in ATL this was underwhelming https://t.co/h2Jo9TX0yE
— ☀️ of Sarge (@L8NYTEjr) October 19, 2023
Some really good analysis of Desmond Ridder from a new analyst: Matt Ryan. He spoke to @TheAthletic in what he sees in the QB, good and bad, and why there’s not much time for him to prove himself.⤵️ https://t.co/zuLUmAxUK5
— Jeff Schultz (@JeffSchultzATL) October 19, 2023
He sees what I see. Ridder might just need more reps https://t.co/p5X0LhS3M4
— 🦈 (@1skydweller) October 19, 2023
MATT SAID THE BOY AINT GOT IT https://t.co/2Geo91rarm
— In a Toxic Relationship With The Falcons (@50ShadesOf_Jay_) October 19, 2023
BINGO! TAKE ARTHUR WITH HIM TOO, HES ARTHURS GUY! https://t.co/NYiXORygKH
— The Big Falcon (@1GodShad) October 19, 2023
I miss Ice. So underrated smh https://t.co/8RMrsh46jX
— Ezekiel Trezevant IV (@EzTrezevant) October 19, 2023
They keep saying it without saying it https://t.co/6lNURFwQH9
— Malik (@austinmccall_) October 19, 2023
Ruh roh here comes the Kyler Murray rumors smh https://t.co/OyUY0vW9nN
— God Mode Activated 😤 (@MrMagnus11) October 19, 2023
Spot on https://t.co/29JUODayCN
— DJ NATE DA GREAT ♋️ (@DjNateDaGreat85) October 19, 2023
