UC Legend Desmond Ridder Wins First NFL Game As Starter With Falcons 20-19

The Falcons passer is starting to find winning formulas in Atlanta.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Jan 1, 2023 6:20 PM EST

In this story:

Cincinnati Bearcats

Atlanta Falcons

CINCINNATI — Desmond Ridder and the Atlanta Falcons got a 20-19 win over Myjai Sanders's Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. It marked the quarterback's first NFL win.

He finished 19-of-26 passing for 169 yards and no turnovers to go with 4 carries and 9 yards. Atlanta leaned on a good defensive performance and steady play from Ridder to edge a flailing Cardinals team.

"We obviously know that we can't be in the playoffs this year, but one thing that we talked about is that we want to finish these last few games strong," Ridder said after the game. "Finish it for something good for the future and that started well today.

Head coach Arthur Smith noted that Ridder would need to start winning games to be the Falcons QB of the future and this was a good first step.

He has not thrown or rushed for a touchdown in three starts and likely needs to start producing on that end soon. Ridder is 46th among all NFL QBs this season in overall efficiency.

Sanders added two tackles and a nice tackle for loss in the defeat.

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