The Desmond Ridder experience in Atlanta has run its course.
The Falcons lost to the Commanders 24-16 on Sunday and Ridder was the biggest culprit. Atlanta had no business losing a game it outgained Washington 402-193 and held the Commanders to 20% on third down.
It did, however, thanks to a frustrating game by Ridder.
He finished 28-of-47 for 307 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions, all of which came in the second half.
The first came when Ridder stared down his receiver and Commanders defensive back Kendall Fuller.
Kendall read it like a book
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 15, 2023
#WASvsATL: CBS pic.twitter.com/BO4oZ3kpDS
His second was a perplexing throw that was easily intercepted by Benjamin St-Juste on a third-and-goal in an eight-point game.
Benjamin St-Juste with a CLUTCH end zone INT @Benj_Juice
— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2023
: #WASvsATL on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/B4mQvLOt8O pic.twitter.com/GWqU0GMeW5
Atlanta's final drive was snuffed out when Ridder threw behind wide receiver Drake London. Jamin Davis made the interception, the first of his career, ending a promising Falcons drive that reached Washington's 34-yard line.
PICK
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 15, 2023
Jamin Davis hauls in his first ever career INT and walks off the Falcons!
That was the 3rd pick Ridder threw today. #HTTC | @jamindavis25 pic.twitter.com/FzyMwIWu6Z
After Sunday's game, Ridder is 130-of-203 (64%) for 1,380 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions this season.
Atlanta signed backup Taylor Heinicke to a two-year, $14M contract during the offseason. He filled in admirably for the Commanders the past two seasons, starting 24 games.
The Falcons are in the thick of the NFC South division race but need more from their quarterback to have a legitimate shot of winning the division for the first time since 2016.
The offense, with former first-rounders including London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson, has not been good enough with Ridder at the helm.
Head coach Arthur Smith is approaching a point of no return with Ridder and might have to make a change at quarterback to get the most out of his offense and avoid squandering more games it should easily win.
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