Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith reacts after a play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons HC Arthur Smith adds insight into team's QB switch

By Cory Woodroof | Last updated 12/12/22

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith gave a pretty simple answer to explain the team's recent quarterback change.

He said it's "performance-based" as to why the team is now choosing to roll with rookie Desmond Ridder over the veteran Marcus Mariota.

Falcons HC Arthur Smith officially announcing Desmond Ridder as the team’s new starting QB.

“Performance-based,” Smith said pic.twitter.com/5tqj7h4bil
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) December 12, 2022

After guiding the team to a 5-8 record, Mariota fell out of favor in the lineup.

Now, the Falcons will be Ridder's team, at least through the end of the season.

Smith spoke to the big hurdle that Ridder will now face as the team's starting quarterback.

Arthur Smith said that Desmond Ridder will be working this week to "earn the respect" of his teammates as he takes over at QB.

"He has to prove that he can be successful."
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) December 12, 2022

Ridder's first NFL test will be a big one. Atlanta heads to New Orleans on Sunday for a key division contest. The Falcons are still in the thick of the struggling NFC South.

However, the Falcons have confidence in the team's new starting quarterback.

Arthur Smith said that if he thought Desmond Ridder making his first NFL start in New Orleans was too big of a moment for him he wouldn't throw him out there. But he is starting, and that's because he does think Ridder is ready.

"I have a lot of confidence in Des."
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) December 12, 2022

As for Mariota, he'll likely head to injured reserve for a knee issue. The team signed quarterback Logan Woodside on Saturday from the Titans' practice squad to replace Mariota as the primary reserve.

#Falcons coach Arthur Smith makes it official: Desmond Ridder will start moving forward, a decision he calls "performance-based." He adds that Marcus Mariota is getting his knee checked out and is likely headed to Injured Reserve. That explains the Logan Woodside signing.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 12, 2022

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