The Atlanta Falcons seemed to be anything but normal in their game across the pond Sunday. Not only did Atlanta never get off the ground in a 23-7 loss at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars, but starting quarterback Desmond Ridder was absolutely horrendous. The first-year full-time starter struggled to get the Falcons’ offense in a rhythm, and he finished with a putrid line by completing 19-of-31 passes for 191 yards for one touchdown and two picks. Not even the Toy Story broadcast could make this performance look fun.
And, at least from afar, it appeared one Falcons teammate wasn’t entirely pleased with Ridder’s play. After the signal caller walked off the field while down 17-0 in the first half, he tried to encourage receiver Mack Hollins with a high-five. Hollins didn’t even reach his hand out and stood up, seemingly displeased with Ridder about something. (And yes, in case you were wondering, this sequence didn’t receive a Toy Story animation.)
All that to say, this wasn’t a great look for a team trying to rally from a massive deficit.
dude, mack hollins wanted none of this desmond ridder high five after he missed him on the post pic.twitter.com/mxd4Vg14XV
— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) October 1, 2023
I’m not sure what’s going on behind the scenes in Atlanta or if Hollins was even upset with Ridder. It could’ve been the receiver trying to hype his quarterback in return. But the optics from a distance say something else for a quarterback that has now arguably cost the Falcons in two straight losses.