Falcons' Desmond Ridder makes big admission about rookie offseason

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is in a better place today than where he was as a rookie entering voluntary organized team activities. 

"This time last year, my head was spinning," Ridder admitted while speaking with reporters, per Kevin Patra of the NFL's website. "Obviously having a year under my belt and a whole offseason, it's become a lot more comfortable. Now we're just trying to work the intricate details of it, just working the ins and outs, and knowing the exact whys of why everything is going on."

Ridder entered the NFL as a third-round draft pick and spent the majority of his rookie season as a backup behind Marcus Mariota. The 23-year-old went 2-2 in his four starts and completed 73-of-115 passes (63.5%) for 708 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. 

The Falcons were routinely linked with Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson in offseason rumors but apparently never came close to making an offer to land his services when his rights were retained via the non-exclusive franchise tag. Ridder is now the undisputed leader of Atlanta's offense heading into the summer months. 

"I'm just doing what comes natural to me. Nothing's forced," Ridder explained. "However it comes out for me... Sometimes it's loud, sometimes it's not. Sometimes it's just real quiet off to the side. Sometimes you'll see me out there talking to the defense, talking to whoever. That's just who I am."

Meanwhile, teammates such as running back Tyler Allgeier sound all-in on Ridder serving as the club's QB1. 

"He already had the confidence last year," Allgeier said about Ridder, according to Scott Bair of the Falcons' website. "Now he has a year under him after learning from Marcus – he's just a natural-born leader. Him coming in last year, being with him the apartments last year [during rookie minicamp] and then seeing him now, that's a big step. He always had the confidence. We're all confident playing behind him."