Atlanta Falcons Knock Off New Orleans Saints Despite Desmond Ridder's Pedestrian Day
Desmond Ridder was far from perfect in his return as the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback on Sunday, but his team won, and they now hold first place in the NFC South as a result.
Ridder completed 13 passes for 168 yards and a score in the Falcons' 24-15 win over the New Orleans Saints, but he also threw two interceptions, neither of which led to a score for the visitors.
The quarterback controversy has been a hot topic in Atlanta in recent weeks as the Falcons have flipped between Ridder and veteran Taylor Heinicke in an attempt to salvage what has been a lackluster season to this point. Neither quarterback has significantly separated from the other thanks in part to injuries, but are there positives to glean from Ridder's performance this week?
Atlanta Falcons QB Desmond Ridder
Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
On one hand, yes. The Falcons won, and that, obviously, is better than a loss, even if you don't play your best ball in the process. Winning is the ultimate goal, and Ridder definitely played a part in that process.
On the other hand, two turnovers and less than 200 yards passing is nothing to write home about. It just so happened to come on a day where the Saints struggled offensively as well and Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson had a strong day.
Robinson is electric enough to spark even the worst of NFL offenses, but this is a quarterback-driven league. You won't go far in a postseason race without a real franchise quarterback.
Sunday did not prove one way or the other if Ridder is that guy for Atlanta, but the longer the question lingers, the more fans will begin to make up their mind that he is not.
This was a good day for Falcons fans. Even at 5-6, your team knocked off a division rival and now holds first place in the NFC South, but the quarterback position still holds more question marks than answers at this point of the season.
That will remain a cause for concern for at least another week.
