Atlanta Falcons DL David Onyemata 'Really Impressed' With Desmond Ridder in Win vs. Houston Texans

Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata had high praise for quarterback Desmond Ridder's growth after Sunday's win against the Houston Texans.

It says a lot when the offense notices a quarterback's progression. It says even more when the defense takes note.

The Atlanta Falcons saw improvement in real time from quarterback Desmond Ridder in their win over the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon, and even his teammates on the other side of the ball had praise for the quarterback after the game.

“I'm really impressed with the way Desmond [Ridder] played on offense," defensive lineman David Onyemata said following the game. "In that last drive, you never want to give up points, especially when you are up six with a touchdown as a defense late in the ball game, and give the team a lead. I was really impressed with the offense.

Oct 8, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) leaves the field after a victory against the Houston Texans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium / © Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

"They just kept working, kept playing good football and found a way to drive up the field and get that field goal. In football, there are going to be a lot of games that you are going to win or some games you are going to lose, but most of the games are going to that last possession, and we seized it so far. We’re 2-0 in situations like those.”

That speaks highly. Atlanta's defense surrendered the lead with less than two minutes to play against the Texans, but did the offense (and especially Ridder) panic? Not at all. Instead, they methodically worked down the field and set up Younghoe Koo for a game-winning field goal as time expired.

“He did what he had been doing in practice," Onyemata said. "He has just been making the good read, getting the ball to his playmakers and just playing good football. Today, I think this is the best he's been in his career, but you see it in practice. So I think he is just getting more comfortable, and I was really impressed with him today.”

The Falcons will look to carry this momentum into Week 6 against the Washington Commanders. Can Ridder put together back-to-back strong performances under center? That's the next goal in his growth.