Arthur Smith Explains How Atlanta Falcons Desmond Ridder 'Has Gotten A Lot Better'

A key to the Atlanta Falcons getting back over .500 will be the continued development of quarterback Desmond Ridder as a pocket-passer.

The Atlanta Falcons are sitting at .500 for the first time this season, losing three of their last four games after getting off to a 2-0 start. 

With the losses, specifically, the most recent 24-16 defeat to the Washington Commanders, have come questions about the development of Falcons second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder, whose three interceptions helped salt away the Falcons' chances of completing a comeback. 

“He’s one of the more accountable people I’ve coached,” Smith said about Ridder's interceptions. “You can’t deny the passing game has gotten a lot better, but you have to get rid of those critical mistakes.”

Oct 15, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) throws a pass against the Washington Commanders in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.  / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Every quarterback throws interceptions. That is no secret. However, like with other young quarterbacks, the Falcons want to make sure that Ridder isn't making the same mistake twice, like throwing up a jump ball to a covered Drake London on the doorstep of the goal line when there is still another down to be played.  

However, even with the three interceptions thrown by Ridder, Smith is right that the former fourth-round pick has improved. Sunday's loss marked just the second straight game that Ridder passed for over 300 yards in a game after never hitting that benchmark in the games prior. 

"That’s the thing that consistently works. And that’s what needs to pay off," Smith said about Ridder's development as a passer. "Again, the next step is eliminating critical errors [so] you get more points. And we will. ... We’re not where we want to be, but it’s certainly better than it has been."

As the Falcons look to get back over the .500 mark this season, staying balanced offensively could be key. It is no secret that the Falcons want to run the football. After all, that is their strength. However, the potential key to unlocking an inconsistent offense in recent weeks will be the continued development of Ridder in the pocket.