Falcons QB Desmond Ridder; NFL's 'Breakout' Candidate in 2023?
If this offseason has showcased anything, it's that the Atlanta Falcons believe in quarterback Desmond Ridder.
A third-round draft pick in 2022, Ridder was initially drafted to backup former Falcons signal caller Marcus Mariota. However, after Mariota struggled to keep the team in playoff contention, the University of Cincinnati product took over prior to Week 15 where he started the final four games of the year.
Despite his numbers not particularly jumping out (708 passing yards, two touchdowns and a 2-2 record), Ridder did possess the league's 10th best PFF grade over the final two weeks.
Now gearing up for year two, the 23-year-old has all the weapons to be Atlanta's breakout star heading into the regular season.
"The Falcons have also surrounded Ridder with quite the collection of skill players," Bleacher Report writes. "Between Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Tyler Allgeier, Jonnu Smith, Cordarrelle Patterson, Mack Hollins, Scott Miller and rookie Bijan Robinson, he'll have no shortage of options on any given play.
"With an impressive cadre of playmakers and a full offseason as the starter, Ridder has a chance to be the breakout quarterback of 2023."
Despite revamping this roster through free agency signings and trade, Atlanta's front office never wavered from the idea of Ridder not being the starting quarterback. Even when the team signed former Washington Commanders starter Taylor Heinicke early in free agency, it was a move to be Ridder's backup.
While there is a recent "curse" surrounding third-round quarterbacks, all signs points toward the Falcons having faith that Ridder can lead them to the postseason.
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