Falcons Expect 'Significant Growth' from QB Desmond Ridder, Says Arthur Smith

Following a strong finish to quarterback Desmond Ridder's rookie campaign, Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith expects continued growth next season.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith endorsed Desmond Ridder as the team's future entering the 2023 season.

In a recent interview, Smith spoke positively about the development Ridder has demonstrated early on in his career.

"We're excited about him," Smith said. "We're excited about his growth and development so far."

After starting off his career with two losses, Ridder would go on to win Atlanta's two final regular season games to close the season, posting an average Quarterback Rating of 99.2.

"I thought he made a significant improvement in his first start to second start to third to fourth," Smith said. "And we expect him to make another leap this offseason."

This offseason, many speculated that the Falcons would target former MVP and current Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. However, the improvement demonstrated by the third-round rookie in 2022 must've held more weight within the organization than media personnel realized.

"There's always little things you can work on - lower body mechanics, being more comfortable. When you don't change systems, that helps too (with) the learning curve. When they come back in, what you're focusing on, they're not trying to memorize formations, and everything's (not) foreign to him. We expect significant growth for him." 

Based on Smith's philosophy, Atlanta fans should expect improvement across the board in 2023, thanks to less expected rookie growing pains offensively. The Falcons' offense will feature a sophomore big three, with Ridder being joined by running back Tyler Allgeier and wide receiver Drake London. 

If Atlanta's offense can avoid any sophomore slumps, then Ridder will have the opportunity to establish the Falcons as the top dog in an NFC South that's seemingly up for grabs.

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