Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson Praises Desmond Ridder's Resilience: 'Always Bounces Back!'

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder came through when it mattered most in Week 12's win over the New Orleans Saints.

Don't look now, but the Atlanta Falcons are leading the NFC South headed into Week 13 and would host the Dallas Cowboys in a playoff game if the season ended today.

Of course, hypotheticals in late November are meaningless when there's still ton's of football left, but the Falcons (5-6) are gaining confidence that they've got the right quarterback for the job if these "what ifs" play out in their favor.

After the 24-15 win over the New Orleans Saints at home on Sunday, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson had major praise for quarterback Desmond Ridder, who, despite two first-half interceptions, looked unfazed by his mistakes against a solid Saints defense and led the offense on two crucial fourth-quarter scoring drives to help end a three-game losing streak.

“Desmond always bounces back," Robinson said. "When something bad happens, it never gets to him. He’s always trying to look for the next play. He’s always trying to look for the next drive to be a successful drive. That’s what I respect about Desmond. Things can go wrong in the game but he’s trying to come back, he’s trying to improve. That’s what is going to make him a great quarterback one day. When something bad happens, just try to get away from it and go out there and improve the next drive.” 

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) celebrates after a touchdown with quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium / © Brett Davis, USA TODAY

Ridder found Robinson for a pretty 26-yard touchdown pass with 9:57 to play before leading a put-away, 10-play drive that ended with a field goal from Younghoe Koo to make it a two-possession game with 1:47 left in the fourth.

Ridder finished the game 13 of 21 passing for one touchdown and the two picks while adding seven carries for 30 yards with his legs. 

He and the Falcons still have a long way to go during the final stretch of the season to prove that they're worthy of being the NFC South champs, but there's plenty of reason for the team to feel confident after one of their more impressive wins of the campaign.

The Falcons visit the New York Jets on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

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