Atlanta Falcons second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder spoke with reporters Thursday about being benched in favor of journeyman Taylor Heinicke for this coming Sunday’s house sport versus the 4-4 Minnesota Vikings.
“I’m nonetheless going to be the most effective model of myself, the most effective teammate I might be,” Ridder insisted throughout his feedback, as shared by Charean Williams of Professional Soccer Discuss. “I by no means need to be a unfavorable particular person, a unfavorable man. I’m going to go do no matter it takes to assist my staff and assist us go win.”
Per Grant Gordon of the NFL’s web site, Ridder was evaluated for a concussion throughout this previous Sunday’s 28-23 loss on the Tennessee Titans and by no means returned to the sport even after he was cleared. Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith confirmed Wednesday that Ridder will likely be Heinicke’s major backup towards Minnesota.
The Falcons had been linked final offseason with Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson, however Atlanta named Ridder the membership’s QB1 earlier than Jackson signed a profitable deal to stay with Baltimore. In keeping with ESPN stats, Ridder started the week ranked twenty fifth within the NFL amongst certified gamers with a 39.5 adjusted QBR and twenty first with an 84.0 passer ranking on the season. He tossed six landing passes and 6 interceptions throughout Atlanta’s first eight video games.
“It’s about me and attempting to push everybody else round me to be higher,” Ridder added on Thursday about working to enhance as a QB2. “That’s why we’re nonetheless doing the [player-led pass catchers’ meetings]. That’s why I’m being the identical man I used to be seven days in the past.”
As of Thursday night, OddsChecker listed the 4-4 New Orleans Saints because the betting favorites at +125 odds to win the NFC South division title. The Falcons had been second on the checklist at +140 odds at the moment.
Assuming Heinicke guides Atlanta to a win over a Minnesota staff that just lately misplaced its beginning quarterback, the 30-year-old ought to stay atop the depth chart no less than by means of the membership’s Week 11 bye.