'Penalty-Full' Falcons Negate Strong Showing From Desmond Ridder
For the first time since the conclusion of last season, the Atlanta Falcons sent quarterback Desmond Ridder and their starters out to play versus the Cincinnati Bengals in the second preseason game. ... And while the first and only drive for the starters didn't end with points, Ridder's performance proved to be worth the wait.
Ridder led the Falcons on a methodical 15-play, 78-yard drive that chewed over nine minutes off the clock. Despite starting the drive behind the sticks as two straight holding penalties backed the Falcons' offense up - which proved to be a theme - Ridder maintained his poise, firing a completion to new receiver Mack Hollins for a 10-yard gain. Then he would find tight end Kyle Pitts for an eight-yard completion and a first-down.
The former third-round pick would go on to connect with four other receivers, including his favorite target from a season ago, Drake London. The now second-year duo hooked up on two occasions, the first being on a 12-yard completion to move the chains on first and 10.
Then after a false start penalty was called on the former USC Trojan, Ridder went back to No. 5, this time on third and 12, where London managed to make a highlight catch in tight coverage for a 22-yard gain.
With London left in one-on-one coverage, Ridder threw a back-shoulder pass to his fellow second-year player, allowing London to show off his body control and awareness as he got two feet down right up against the sideline.
Although the penalties caught up to the Falcons as a Ridder pass intended for Scotty Miller was tipped and picked off by Bengals edge rusher Joseph Ossai, capping off a promising drive with no points to show for it.
Yet, Ridder finished with 80 yards and one interception while completing seven of his nine passes, as the Falcons were called for five penalties which cost them 38 yards and potentially a touchdown.
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