All-Pro Ex Steve Smith Sr.: 'Falcons Ain't Got No Quarterback'

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder started in four games last season, completing 63.5 percent of his passes and two touchdowns.

Former five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith witnessed a few elite quarterbacks over his 16-year career.  

As the Carolina Panthers leading receiver in all but one season, Smith may not have always had that top notch signal caller, but was often facing off against them in the NFC South. 

With the Panthers often on the receiving end of the Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Michael Vick/Matt Ryan-led Atlanta Falcons teams, Smith witnessed what it takes to be at that level from the opposing sideline. And with that level of experience, the two-time All Pro wideout does not approve of the new man behind center for Atlanta. 

On his podcast "Cut to It," Smith was discussing the Green Bay Packers quarterback situation with wide receiver Jayden Reed, before firing an ill-advised shot at Falcons' Desmond Ridder. 

"I can tell you right now with the Atlanta Falcons," Smith said. "They ain't got no quarterback right now, you dodged a bullet on that."

A third-round pick by the Falcons in 2022, Ridder may have made just four starts during his rookie campaign but has been no stranger to backlash entering his second season. 

Now preparing for his first season as the team's starting quarterback, the Cincinnati product must capitalize from the gradual improvement he showcased every week. 

And while his numbers weren't particularly impressive in that small sample size - 708 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions - the Cincinnati product has the blueprint to lead Atlanta to the postseason for the first time since 2017. 

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Follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.

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