Desmond Ridder listed among QBs ESPN thinks could be benched

Don’t let the 2-1 record fool you into thinking the Falcons are one of the top teams in the NFL just yet. Atlanta got by mostly with the running game on offense and some huge plays on defense.

While those are obviously good things to build around, the team will need more balance on offense going forward to stay above .500. The Falcons’ offensive line has played a role in these struggles, but the passing game hasn’t looked good by any stretch.

What would it take for the team to make a QB change? ESPN’s Bill Barnwell listed Falcons QB Desmond Ridder as one of six quarterbacks who could be benched this season. Ridder was ranked No. 4 on Barnwell’s list:

Ridder is averaging 4.6 yards per dropback, which ranks 31st, behind Zach Wilson and Justin Fields. Nobody expected the Falcons to morph into the Chiefs, but the hopes that Smith and Ridder would be able to marry the rushing attack with a more expansive passing game haven’t come through. – Bill Barnwell, ESPN

As we’ve noted each week on Ridder’s passing charts, this Falcons offense lacks any versatility. Ridder is 27th in the league in average depth of target, per Pro Football Focus’ premium stats. .

When it comes to first-down throws, only five other quarterbacks have less than Ridder, who has 27 total this season.

Throwing screens is great, especially when a team has Robinson and an effective offensive line, but this offense is missing a regular vertical component. Ridder’s four plays of more than 25 yards in the passing game have come on that Pitts catch on a 50-50 ball, a fade to London, a flea-flicker to Mack Hollins and a swing pass to Robinson against a broken coverage. – Bill Barnwell, ESPN

In addition to the lack of a vertical threat, Barnwell rightfully points out the alarming number of sacks the team has given up. This is a concern when you consider the amount of money Atlanta spent along the offensive front.

Ridder isn’t exactly on the hot seat, but head coach Arthur Smith has to do a better job of setting him up for success or the second-year QB could see his seat begin to warm up.