Falcons Owner Arthur Blank 'Loves' QB Desmond Ridder; 2023 Starter?
It's always a good thing when your boss likes you. It's an even better feeling if he or she loves you, and that's the case for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder.
In an interview with AtlantaFalcons.com, owner Arthur Blank gave a glowing review of Ridder after his rookie season with the Falcons.
"I love our young quarterback," Blank said. "I know he only played four games but the trend line during those four games was all good. He didn't throw the ball to the other team which is a huge factor in winning games. He's not color blind, so I feel good about where we are and I think our fans should feel that way, honestly."
Ridder threw for 708 yards and two touchdowns in his four starts down the stretch this season. His run as the starting quarterback also included a pair of wins against the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a good sign towards his candidacy to be the 2023 starter.
However, Ridder doesn't have the job wrapped up.
While he likely won't be competing against 2022 Week 1 starter Marcus Mariota, a potential cap casualty, the team probably won't put all their eggs in Ridder's basket.
But depending on how the Falcons feel about Ridder, perhaps they will bring in a quarterback he can easily beat for the starting role.
Should the Falcons sign a player like Derek Carr or Jimmy Garoppolo, it will likely mean Ridder starts the season on the bench with no solidified plan to eventually move to Ridder.
However, should the Falcons target a player like Ryan Tannehill or Jacoby Brissett, it could give Ridder an easier opportunity to see the field sooner.
Given Blank's attitude on Ridder, it shows some confidence towards the quarterback position at the moment and it will likely dictate the next move for the Falcons under center.
Follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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