Falcons QB Desmond Ridder Will 'Shut People Up!' Predicts Drake London
When thinking about Week 1, the first two emotions that come to mind for Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith are excitement and uncertainty.
There's perhaps no better player on the roster who reflects these emotions than quarterback Desmond Ridder, set to make his first season-opening start after receiving the nod in the final four games of last year.
Throughout the offseason, Ridder hasn't received much recognition - those who haven't already written him off appear to be in wait-and-see mode - after completing 63.5 percent of his passes for 708 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in his rookie season.
But the feeling in Atlanta is vastly different, whether it be owner Arthur Blank, general manager Terry Fontenot or the other 52 members of the active roster.
Whether it be his leadership or ability to make plays with his legs, Ridder has drawn positive reviews from teammates and staffers alike this summer - and his top receiver, Drake London, delivered one of the strongest endorsements yet on Monday.
"He only had four games last year - people didn't really see all of Des," London said, via 92.9 The Game's Joe Patrick. "Now they get to see him and get see what he does, so I think he'll shut a lot of people up and silence those doubters for sure."
London knows Ridder about as well as anybody - they were roommates together during rookie minicamp, threw together last offseason and illustrated close chemistry on the field during the season, connecting on 25 completions for 333 yards across four games.
As such, London understands what Ridder offers on and off the field, and he's a noted fan of the former Cincinnati Bearcats star.
Smith carries the same credentials on the topic of Ridder, and he's been quite open about the evaluation process dating back to last December, when he laid out the things he needed to see for the 24-year-old to become his long-term starting quarterback.
Ridder largely checked each box and has now been given the chance to lead Atlanta into its next generation ... and Smith walked away from training camp and the preseason armed with belief from what he's seen.
"I feel pretty good about it," Smith said. "(He’s) another guy that's taken a lot of reps at quarterback, and that experience last year paid off. When you've at least had some experience and get back into it, then you feel pretty good.
"We got him some action in the preseason, tried to make camp hard for him, but feel pretty pleased where he's at."
Ridder's lone preseason drive came in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals; he completed seven of nine passes for 80 yards but saw the series end with a deflected interception.
Nonetheless, the offense moved the ball quite efficiently, and Ridder showed the same command and distribution abilities that garnered praise during practice.
The next step is performing under the lights - and the Falcons, facing heightened expectations in Smith and Fontenot's third season, anticipate being in several high-stakes games down the stretch this year.
But Ridder first has to guide the team to that position ... and his first challenge is set to come this Sunday, when the Falcons welcome their NFC South rivals, the Carolina Panthers, into Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
It's a chance for Atlanta to start its much-anticipated campaign on the right foot - and, similarly, an opportunity for Ridder to "shut a lot of people up."
