Falcons QB Desmond Ridder 'Set Up For Success'; Trevor Lawrence Trajectory?
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is preparing for his first official NFL offseason.
As a rookie in 2022, Ridder started four games and winning the final two games of the season for the Falcons.
Even though his numbers didn't jump off the page, Ridder's quarterback coach Jordan Palmer, brother of former No. 1 pick Carson, has faith that he will continue to grow.
"[Ridder] is set up for success,” Palmer told The Athletic. “I think that’s one of the best staffs in the league. He’s in position to have a big second year just like I said 12 months ago about Trevor Lawrence.”
Lawrence definitely saw growth from Year 1 to Year 2. After quarterbacking the worst team in the league in 2021, throwing for 3641 yards, 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, the former Clemson Tiger turned things around in 2022. This past season, Lawrence threw for 4113 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Ridder doesn't quite have the same level of expectations that Lawrence had as a No. 1 pick, but it's encouraging to have a well-respected quarterback mind like Palmer believe in his abilities.
Ridder is the likeliest option to play quarterback next season among the players on the roster, especially with Marcus Mariota potentially being cut with his $12 million cap hit. However, there is also a great chance that Mariota could be replaced by someone who could jump Ridder on the depth chart, like San Francisco 49ers signal caller Jimmy Garoppolo.
But if Ridder is given the green light in 2023, he is in a position that sets him up for success.
Follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
Get your HOTlanta Falcons game tickets from SI Tickets ... here!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Falcons? Click Here.
Follow Falcon Report on Twitter.
Want even more Atlanta Falcons news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
