Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons QB Desmond Ridder ready for 'dream job' as starter

By Cory Woodroof | Last updated 12/14/22

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is about to take on what he describes as his "dream job."

On Wednesday, Ridder addressed the media for the first time since being named Atlanta's starting quarterback. He described his thoughts on the major move.

Falcons QB Desmond Ridder on being the starter now pic.twitter.com/8JXOIl5As1
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) December 14, 2022

Ridder said that he's trying to mirror his approach to that of a veteran in the league. It's what the former Cincinnati quarterback will need as he faces his first professional start on Sunday at New Orleans.

The Falcons benched quarterback Marcus Mariota last Thursday to give Ridder, the team's third-round pick this past spring, the chance to prove his worth. Mariota will go on injured reserve with a planned knee surgery.

At 5-8, the Falcons are improbably still in the mix in a struggling NFC South. While Ridder might not be able to navigate the team toward a division title, he still could help give the Falcons some assurance he would be ready to be their starter in 2023.

Falcons quarterbacks coach Charles London spoke to the growth Ridder has made since being drafted by the team.

#Falcons QB's coach Charles London says they've seen "a lot of growth" from Desmond Ridder "mentally and physically" just in the last month alone.

"If we didn't trust him, we wouldn't put him out there... We're at the point now where we think he's ready to go." pic.twitter.com/wWJFOTSz89
— Kelly Price (@thekellyprice) December 14, 2022

During Wednesday's open session, Ridder and Falcons 2022 first-round pick Drake London got some reps in together. It could be a prolific connection for Atlanta for years to come if Ridder lives up to his potential.