Falcons' Desmond Ridder addresses benching for Vikings game

Atlanta Falcons second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder spoke with reporters Thursday about being benched in favor of journeyman Taylor Heinicke for this coming Sunday's home game versus the 4-4 Minnesota Vikings.

"I’m still going to be the best version of myself, the best teammate I can be," Ridder insisted during his comments, as shared by Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. "I never want to be a negative person, a negative guy. I’m going to go do whatever it takes to help my team and help us go win." 

Per Grant Gordon of the NFL's website, Ridder was evaluated for a concussion during this past Sunday's 28-23 loss at the Tennessee Titans and never returned to the game even after he was cleared. Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith confirmed Wednesday that Ridder will be Heinicke's primary backup against Minnesota. 

The Falcons were linked last offseason with Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson, but Atlanta named Ridder the club's QB1 before Jackson signed a lucrative deal to remain with Baltimore. According to ESPN stats, Ridder began the week ranked 25th in the NFL among qualified players with a 39.5 adjusted QBR and 21st with an 84.0 passer rating on the season. He tossed six touchdown passes and six interceptions across Atlanta's first eight games. 

"It’s about me and trying to push everyone else around me to be better," Ridder added on Thursday about working to improve as a QB2. "That’s why we’re still doing the [player-led pass catchers’ meetings]. That’s why I’m being the same guy I was seven days ago." 

As of Thursday evening, OddsChecker listed the 4-4 New Orleans Saints as the betting favorites at +125 odds to win the NFC South division title. The Falcons were second on the list at +140 odds at that time. 

Assuming Heinicke guides Atlanta to a win over a Minnesota team that recently lost its starting quarterback, the 30-year-old should remain atop the depth chart at least through the club's Week 11 bye.