BREAKING: Atlanta Falcons Name Taylor Heinicke Starting QB vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Atlanta Falcons have made a decision regarding their starting quarterback for Sunday's road game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith, notably not possessing the mustache he's had all season, announced at his press conference Monday that Taylor Heinicke will get the start in Arizona while Desmond Ridder will remain the backup.
Heinicke made his first start this season in Atlanta's 31-28 loss to the Minnesota Vikings this past weekend, finishing the game 21 of 38 for 268 yards, one touchdown and an interception while taking just one sack.
Ridder started the first eight games of the year for the Falcons, completing 65.4 percent of his passes for 1,701 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions. He also had six fumbles, giving him a league-high 12 giveaways.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke attempts a pass against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9.
USA Today Sports
Moments after declaring Heinicke the starter for this week, Smith touched on Ridder's future.
"Doesn't mean anything is over for Des," Smith said.
Atlanta will evaluate the quarterback position during the bye week, which comes after Sunday's game against the Cardinals. From thereon, it won't be a week-to-week decision, Smith said.
The Falcons scored a team-high 28 points with Heinicke at the helm Sunday but ultimately suffered their fifth loss in the past seven games and now sit at 4-5 on the year, one game behind the New Orleans Saints in the NFC South.
Smith noted postgame he thought there were some clear positives from Heinicke's showing but also wasn't immediately sold on naming him the starter immediate thereafter, instead opting to review the film.
"He did turn the ball over, but I thought he operated on third down pretty well," Smith said. "We'll huddle up and evaluate everything, but he gave us some chances. He did make some plays on third down, but turnovers will always hurt you."
Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier said after the game he thought Heinicke played pretty well, and tight end Jonnu Smith agreed.
"Kudos to Taylor coming in and leading us and giving us an opportunity to win a game," Smith said. "I think he did a great job."
Now, the Falcons will move forward with Heinicke leading the charge - at least for one more week.
Atlanta and Arizona will kick off at 4:05 p.m. EST inside State Farm Stadium.
