Persistence is operating skinny for Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder.
In Sunday’s 23-7 loss to the Jaguars, Ridder was intercepted twice, together with one which was returned for a landing.
He completed the sport 19-of-31 for 191 yards, one landing and two interceptions. Most troubling for Atlanta is that Ridder has but to enhance from the beginning of the season.
In some methods, he is regressed for the reason that first two weeks, posting his two worst passer rankings in Atlanta’s previous two video games, each losses.
The Falcons are averaging 6.5 factors per sport throughout their two-game shedding streak and Ridder has taken 11 sacks in these two video games after solely being sacked 5 groups within the first two weeks.
After the sport, head coach Arthur Smith lamented the offense’s poor efficiency whereas acknowledging one thing has to vary.
If Ridder continues to wrestle, Smith should contemplate a transfer to backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke.
He was strong in a backup function for Washington final season and will stabilize a rudderless offense.
From 2021-22, Heinicke had 24 begins and was 482-of-753 (64 p.c) for five,278 yards, 32 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
Atlanta spent its previous three first-round picks (every within the prime 10) on offensive skill-position gamers however Ridder has but to make the most of the expertise round him.
Vast receiver Drake London and tight finish Kyle Pitts mixed for 5 receptions for 49 yards in opposition to Jacksonville, the newest in a line of maddeningly inconsistent video games for the duo.
Pitts, the fourth-overall choose in 2021, had 1,000 yards as a rookie however has disappeared within the two years since, together with solely 11 receptions for 121 yards by way of 4 video games this season.
London, in the meantime, was drafted eighth total in 2022 however solely has 14 receptions for 154 yards.
Working again Bijan Robinson, drafted eighth total in 2023, has been Atlanta’s finest playmaker however he is additionally confirmed why the crew’s determination to draft him was unwise.
He had 19 touches for 137 whole yards in opposition to Jacksonville and already has 452 yards from scrimmage. However these had been empty energy in opposition to the Jags, and Atlanta dangers losing Robinson’s brilliance on a quarterback who should not be beginning.
With all of the speak about how finite operating again careers are, the Falcons cannot afford to waste any of Robinson’s profession ready for Ridder to carry up his finish of the discount.
