Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons find positives in QB Desmond Ridder's debut despite struggles

By Cory Woodroof | Last updated 12/19/22

The Atlanta Falcons didn't ignore the good that rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder showed in his debut on Sunday despite his growing pains.

While Ridder took his lumps against a stout New Orleans Saints defense, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith praised the rookie's poise under pressure.

Arthur Smith on Desmond Ridder: "I thought he was amped up early. There were a couple things I thought he was pressing, but he did a good job of settling down. He’s not scared of the moment. He’s poised."
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) December 18, 2022

Smith also told Ridder that one game wouldn't define his career.

Arthur Smith said he told Desmond Ridder yesterday that it didn't matter if he threw for 400 yards today or not even close, this game would not define his career.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) December 18, 2022

Ridder only had 97 yards and a 50% completion rate in his first start, but he did drive the team down the field to potentially set up a game-winning touchdown.

However, Ridder threw a dime on fourth down in Saints territory to wideout Drake London that the latter coughed up for a game-sealing fumble.

The Cincinnati alum was much harder on his performance than Smith was.

Desmond Ridder asked how he would grade himself and he said a C- or D.

"I have to be better in the pass game... I didn't give guys a chance."
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) December 18, 2022

Ridder will get three more opportunities this season to show the Falcons that he could be the starting quarterback of the future.

The team plays at Baltimore on Christmas Eve before closing the season with a two-game stand at home against Arizona and Tampa Bay.

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