Falcon Report

Falcons vs. Packers WATCH: Desmond Ridder Hits Deep Ball, Scores Rushing TD

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder made a big throw to Mack Hollins on third down and scored a rushing touchdown on fourth, keeping his team alive against the Green Bay Packers.

Daniel Flick

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The Atlanta Falcons, trailing the Green Bay Packers 24-12 early in the fourth quarter inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, needed a big play - and quarterback Desmond Ridder made two of them.

On 3rd and 3, the Falcons ran a trick play during which Ridder handed the ball off to running back Tyler Allgeier, who pitched it to receiver Drake London before sending it back to Ridder.

Then, Ridder unloaded deep to receiver Mack Hollins, who hauled in a contested catch over Packers safety Darnell Savage for a 45-yard gain, setting up a prime scoring opportunity.

But for a moment, it appeared the Falcons wouldn't capitalize on the big play, as they were staring down a 4th and 4 well inside the red zone.

Needing two touchdowns, the decision was simple for Falcons coach Arthur Smith - keep the offense on the field. The play call, however, wasn't as simple ... but Smith delivered.

Atlanta dialed up a read option with Ridder joined by star rookie running back Bijan Robinson; Green Bay followed Robinson, and Ridder was able to get to the corner and run it in for a score.

Ridder has ascended into a leadership role for the Falcons, with teammates and coaches praising his presence and poise. Now, he's showing it on the gridiron, unfazed by Atlanta's two-possession margin.

Tasked with trying to prove he's Atlanta's long-term solution under center, making big plays in big moments will go a long way in helping Ridder achieve the feat.

And with the Falcons and Packers locked in a close game late, he may continue getting opportunities to do so.

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Daniel Flick
DANIEL FLICK

Daniel Flick is an accredited NFL writer for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Daniel has provided boots-on-ground coverage at the NFL Combine and from the Atlanta Falcons' headquarters, among other destinations, and contributed to the annual Lindy's Sports Magazine ahead of the 2023 offseason. Daniel is a co-host on the 404TheFalcon podcast and previously wrote for the Around the Block Network and Georgia Sports Hospitality Media.

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