Tag: Desmond Ridder

Falcons’ Arthur Smith says Taylor Heinicke ‘gives us the best chance’

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said Taylor Heinicke ‘gives us the best chance’ over final 3 weeks

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith spoke to the media on Wednesday for the first time since benching quarterback Desmond Ridder for Taylor Heinicke. According to Smith, Heinicke will take over for the final three games of the season because he gives the team the best chance to win.

“We feel right now, where we’re at, that Taylor gives us the best chance,” Smith said, per team reporter Tori McElhaney.

Smith would go on to say that benching Ridder shouldn’t be taken as a sign that his journey was over, but that the quarterback is a “premium” position and must take care of the football. Ridder’s turnovers have been a consistent issue for the Falcons. The second-year QB has tossed 10 interceptions and lost six fumbles this season.

In Week 15, Ridder threw a red-zone interception that essentially gave the game away in the fourth quarter. With the season on the line against the worst team in football, Ridder made his most costly mistake yet.

Heinicke has appeared in three games this season (two starts), passing for 493 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. The veteran QB hurt his hamstring against the Cardinals and never got his job back. We’ll see how Heinicke fares this weekend against a pretty tough Colts team.

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Falcons Twitter clowns Arthur Smith after latest QB change

Falcons fans on Twitter clowned head coach Arthur Smith following his latest change at quarterback

The Atlanta Falcons have had a roller-coaster season through the first 15 weeks, and things only appear to be getting worse. After losing two straight games to NFC South opponents, the Falcons are in full panic mode.

Head coach Arthur Smith has become public enemy No. 1 as the team continues to spiral. Atlanta made yet another quarterback change on Tuesday, benching Desmond Ridder in favor of Taylor Heinicke for the second time this season.

While the fans have been critical of Ridder, many feel Smith is scapegoating his young quarterback in an attempt to save his job. Here’s how fans on Twitter reacted to Smith’s latest QB change.

It’s time for the Falcons to shake their identity as the NFL’s premier choke artists

It’s high time the Falcons learn how to close out games.

The Atlanta Falcons might have one of the best records in the NFC if a couple of last-minute collapses turn into clenched fists.

In the last four Falcons losses, the team has squandered a late lead within the last minute of the game because of defensive lapses. After entire games of dominance, that understandably gassed side of the ball just can’t hold it together for one last drive.

For the Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers, it just took a last-second push on offense to drive down the field on an exhausted defense and punch in the winning score.

Situationally, the Falcons could’ve gotten stops in all four of those games. They could be 10-4, amidst the best season the franchise has seen since 2017. The offense would still be underwhelming, and the defense still wouldn’t have the pass rush it needs to join the elite of the NFL.

However, Atlanta would likely be in the driver’s seat for the NFC South and headed to hosting a playoff game at home. Instead, quarterback Desmond Ridder might be getting benched for a second time and coach Arthur Smith is on the hottest seat he’s ever had in his three years coaching the Falcons.

Atlanta has gone from a trendy pick for a surprising NFL contender to one of the league’s most disappointing and apathetic teams. A frisky defense has replaced a stout ground attack on offense as the team’s calling card, as Smith’s noted ability to mount a rushing game has taken a step back, despite drafting a generational running back in Bijan Robinson eighth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Once thought to be a solid option to run Smith’s scheme, Ridder has suffered the ignoble fate of improving while staying the same, with his inability to stop turning the ball over stamping out any other on-field gains. The horribly timed picks and fumbles feel like a feature, not a bug.

Robinson, 2022 first-round wide receiver Drake London and 2021 first-round tight end Kyle Pitts have all flashed elite play this season, but all three are stuck in an offense that can’t use them consistently. The Falcons even have actual depth at running back with Tyler Allgeier and tight end with Jonnu Smith, but that still hasn’t gotten this team to any sort of meaningful touchdown production.

They’re averaging 18.4 points a game, tied with the Tennessee Titans for 27th-lowest in the NFL through Sunday’s games.

Smith was brought over from Tennessee to help the Falcons regain the offensive identity of its banner 2016 season with Kyle Shanahan, and he got two mulligan years with quarterback changes, cap woes and roster reshuffling. However, 2023 was supposed to be a progress point.

Losing to a single-win Panthers team feels like a new low for this regime, even if it can’t quite top the lows of the past (y’know, like 28-3).

As the team’s past four losses prove, the franchise that has desperately tried to shake its history as the NFL’s premiere choke artists has fallen right back into old habits. It’s gotten so bad that Smith was noncommittal on Monday about Ridder starting in the team’s last three games, even after putting him back into the lineup in November after benching him a first time for two games. Backup Taylor Heinicke underwhelmed in his brief starting stint.

After this season ends and the Falcons probably miss the postseason for a sixth-consecutive year, finding an actual solution at quarterback with a meaningful investment feels like a given. The word around the league was that Smith was safe barring a late-season collapse, but losing out to the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints might qualify.

Keeping Smith has its merits, as it’s possible a new quarterback and a reconfiguration of his scheme could get this offense going in a meaningful way. He did a great job picking out the defensive coaching staff with Ryan Nielsen and Jerry Gray, and it’s not like we haven’t seen his scheme work before. However, you can justify making full-sweep changes, too.

The future is very uncertain for the Falcons, but one thing is certain. Until this team learns to consistently close out games, it won’t really matter who coaches this team or who is under center. It’ll be the same old song and dance.

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Arthur Smith says Falcons haven’t decided on starting QB

Head coach Arthur Smith said the Falcons are still deciding on a starting QB for Week 16

The Atlanta Falcons were defeated on a last-second field goal by the Carolina Panthers in Week 15. Even with a potential playoff spot on the line, this team can’t seem to get out of its own way.

On Sunday, the Falcons had a one-point lead and the ball in the fourth quarter when quarterback Desmond Ridder made one of his most ill-advised throws of the season. Ridder forced a ball into coverage that was intercepted and the Panthers drove down for the game-winning kick as time expired.

Head coach Arthur Smith was asked whether or not the team would make a quarterback change heading into Week 16 and did not have a clear answer. According to Smith, the Falcons are still working through the decision, per team reporter Tori McElhaney.

Ridder started the first eight games before getting benched for backup Taylor Heincike. After injuring his hamstring at the end of the team’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Ridder got his job back. It sounds like Heinicke could take over again, even though Smith has previously stated he did not want to play musical chairs at the QB position.

Watch Smith’s comments on the quarterback situation, as shared by ESPN’s Michael Rothstein below.

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Panthers’ Brian Burns on Ridder INT: ‘I didn’t think he was going to throw it’

“He kind of caught me off guard when he actually threw it,” Panthers LB Brian Burns said of Falcons QB Desmond Ridder’s red-zone INT

The Atlanta Falcons have a lot to figure after Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers. From the head coach to the quarterback, the future of this Atlanta team is the most uncertain it has been since Dan Quinn was fired in 2020.

Not only did the Falcons lose to a one-win Carolina team, but they blew a game in which they held their opponent under 10 points and without a touchdown. Turnovers and a lack of offensive productivity were the main reasons Atlanta left Charlotte with a loss on Sunday.

After rookie Bijan Robinson lost a fumble in the third quarter, quarterback Desmond Ridder made another devastating mistake with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter.

On second down in the red zone, Ridder rolled out to his left and forced a pass directly into the hands of Panthers safety Xavier Woods (see below):

The Panthers took full advantage of the opportunity and effectively killed the clock on their way to a game-winning goal. Linebacker Brian Burns said he was surprised to see Ridder make such an aggressive throw in that situation.

“I kind of seen it the whole way,” Burns told reporters. “I didn’t think he was going to throw it. He kind of caught me off guard when he actually threw it.”

Watch Burns’ full comments on Ridder below, as shared by reporter Cam Gaskins (NOTE: Video contains profanity).

To Ridder’s credit, he took full responsibility for the late-game blunder after Sunday’s loss. Atlanta was leading by one point at the time of the interception — which took away a chance for a field goal or potential touchdown that could have sealed a Falcons win.

“I have to just throw the ball away and live to see another down,” Ridder told reporters after the game.

10 takeaways from the Falcons’ 9-7 loss to the Panthers

10 takeaways from the Atlanta Falcons’ 9-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 15

The Atlanta Falcons (6-8) are in trouble after losing a second consecutive NFC South matchup in Week 15. The Carolina Panthers (2-12) hit a game-winning field goal to clinch Sunday’s 9-7 victory over the Falcons.

It was just the Panthers’ second win of the season, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time for Atlanta. Here are 10 takeaways from the Falcons’ Week 15 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Falcons Twitter flips out following sloppy loss to Panthers

Falcons Twitter flips out following Sunday’s sloppy loss to the Carolina Panthers on the road

The Atlanta Falcons hit a new low on Sunday, losing to the 1-12 Carolina Panthers by a final score of 9-7. It was a sloppy, rain-filled game in which many of the same issues that have plagued this team all season showed up once again.

Fans on Twitter aired out their frustrations with head coach Arthur Smith and quarterback Desmond Ridder following Sunday’s loss.

4 things the Falcons must figure out over their final 4 games

4 things the #Falcons must figure out over their final 4 games of the season

The Atlanta Falcons have gone 6-7 through their first 13 games of the season, setting up the most critical four-game stretch of Arthur Smith’s tenure as head coach. An NFC South title is still a possibility, but it’s tough to know which Falcons team will show up each week.

Regardless if Atlanta makes the playoffs or not, there are several questions this team needs to answer over the final four weeks. Here are four things the Falcons must figure out by the end of the 2023 season.

Tunnel Vision – Injuries, free agents and Sunday stars

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Lamar Jackson  316-70 3
 Desmond Ridder 347-15 2
 Jake Browning 275-7 3
 Justin Fields 223-58 2
 Joe Flacco 311-(-1) 3
Running Backs Yards TD
Ezekiel Elliott 22-68
7-72		 1
Breece Hall 10-40
8-86		 1
James Cook 10-58
5-83		 1
Rachaad White 25-102
2-33		 1
Joe Mixon 21-79
3-46		 1
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Deebo Samuel 7-149 2
Drake London 10-172 0
D.J. Moore 6-68
3-20		 2
Cooper Kupp 8-115 1
Rashee Rice 7-72 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
Evan Engram 11-95 2
David Njoku 6-91 2
Isaiah Likely 5-83 1
Hunter Henry 3-40 2
George Kittle 3-76 1
Placekickers XP FG
Greg Zuerlein 3 3
Justin Tucker 2 3
Lucan Havrisik 2 3
Evan McPherson 4 2
Brandon Aubrey 3 4
Defense Sack – TO TD
Vikings 4-3 0
Saints 4-2 1
Broncos 6-2 0
Browns 4-4 0
Bears 4-3 0

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

QB C.J. Stroud – Head
QB Justin Herbert – Finger
QB Jake Browning – Cramps
RB Josh Jacobs – Knee
RB Alexander Mattison
WR Mack Hollins – Ankle
WR Devin Duvernay – Back
WR Nico Collins – Calf
WR Tutu Atwell – Concussion
WR Justin Jefferson – Chest

Chasing Ambulances

QB C.J. Stroud –  Landed on his back and his head whipped back to the turf for a concussion. In the protocol now and Davis Mills will fill in this week in Tennessee if needed. The Texans have gone through a rash of injuries and Stroud is the one piece they cannot lose.

QB Justin Herbert – Fractured the index finger on his throwing hand and that may be season ending with just one month left to play in a year already gone bad. Easton Stick is the next man up. This week is a trip to face the Raiders and looks like another low-scoring affair there.

RB Josh Jacobs – He injured his knee early in the game but continued to play through it until finally giving up with six minutes left because of the pain. Speculation is that he hyperextended his knee and likely damaged ligaments and if so, he will not play on Thursday at the least. Zamir White would replace him versus the Chargers.

RB Alexander Mattison – Left the win over the Raiders with an ankle sprain which HC Kevin O’Connell later confirmed. His status for the Saturday matchup in Cincinnati will be determined after tests on Monday. Ty Chandler will take the start if needed.

WR Nico Collins – Injured his calf on the first series and was ruled out during halftime. Tank Dell was already lost for the season, so if Collins misses games he’ll be replaced by the group of Noah Brown, Robert Woods, and John Metchie, though C.J. Stroud’s status is uncertain this week as well.

WR Justin Jefferson – He suffered a chest injury in the second quarter and was forced to the sideline. He was later sent to a nearby hospital. His prognosis and status should be known on Monday but the Vikes play on Saturday in the early game at the Bengals. The No. 1 pick in nearly every fantasy draft is yet another instance where the best player for a season cannot replicate their success.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

QB Desmond Ridder (ATL) – Turned in a season-high 347 yards and a score on the visiting Buccaneers that included Drake London’s ten-catch, 172-yard performance for a career-best. Granted – the Buccaneers secondary is one of the worst. But Ridder threw three completions for 57 yards and a score to Kyle Pitts.

QB Jake Browning (CIN) – He left the win over the Colts with what were described as “hand cramps” but returned to the game and ended with 275 yards and two touchdowns, plus ran in a touchdown. He may be no Joe Burrow, but he looks like a guy who needs to be more than an unseen backup.

QB Trevor Lawrence (JAC) – When he was awkwardly bent backward over his ankle last week, it looked like the season was over. But Robo-QB showed few signs of the injury and was one of the best quarterbacks for Week 14 with 257 yards and three touchdowns – though he had three interceptions.

WR Parker Washington (JAC) – The rookie replacement for Christian Kirk only managed two catches for 27 yards, but he’s started his career with a touchdown in his first two games.

RB Chase Brown (CIN) – He only ran for 25 yards on eight carries, but Brown led the Bengals’ receivers with three catches for 80 yards that included a 54-yard touchdown catch. The Bengals still ran Joe Mixon 21 times for 79 yards and a score, but Brown has looked sharp for the last two weeks. The Bengals have a potential out in Mixon’s contract next year and Brown can promote more confidence in him for the final month of the season.

RB Keaton Mitchell (BAL) – He ran for 54 yards on nine carries in the win over the Rams but the Ravens still used Gus Edwards for six rushes for 15 yards. They speak about getting Mitchell more involved and he’s impressed when given the chance. Apparently, getting him more involved is a slow process.

QB Joe Flacco (CLE) -After posting 254 yards and two scores on the Rams, the Browns waited until late in the week before naming him as the starter versus the Jaguars. Flacco ended with 311 yards and three scores for the first 300-yard game by any Browns’ quarterback this year. He was named the starter the rest of the season before he reached the locker room.

TE Isaiah Likely (BAL) –  He took over for Mark Andrews for the last two games and only managed four catches for 40 yards at the Chargers in Week 12 before their bye. Versus the Rams, Likely caught five passes for 83 yards and a touchdown – very Anderson-ish.

Huddle player of the week

Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Evan Engram  – Engram has been involved weekly for four or five catches, but now has two straight weeks as the primary receiver with at least nine catches and a touchdown in each. Engram faced the Browns who had the No. 1 defense against tight ends and caught 11 passes for 95 yards and two scores yesterday. That’s catching fire right when we need it most.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Desmond Ridder 347-15 2 QB C.J. Stroud 91 0
RB Chase Brown 8-25
3-80		 1 RB Josh Jacobs 13-34
2-16		 0
RB Jerick McKinnon 4-19
3-18		 1 RB Zack Moss 13-28
4-28		 0
WR Demarcus Robinson 3-46 1 WR Mike Evans 1-8 0
WR Josh Reynolds 3-44 1 WR Nico Collins 1-13 0
WR Quentin Johnston 3-91 0 WR A. St. Brown 3-21 0
TE Evan Engram 11-95 2 TE Sam LaPorta 2-23 0
PK Greg Zuerlein   3 XP  3 FG PK Cameron Dicker   1 XP
Huddle Fantasy Points = 154 Huddle Fantasy Points = 32

Now get back to work…