Falcons' Arthur Smith Reveals Goal for QB Desmond Ridder in Preseason Start

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith will watch second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder for in-game improvements.

The first game of the Atlanta Falcons preseason may have rested starters, but the teams' second game will allow fans to see how much second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder has improved. Something that even head coach Arthur Smith is unsure of.

“We need to execute, improve, take another step, get ready, feel the pocket so he’s ready to go Week 1,” Smith said. “That’s the thing you can’t see during practice – the consequence of holding the ball too long, or you don’t move up, execute through your reads, all that stuff. Managing the offense. Those are the things.”

This week, Ridder will face the Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) on Friday as the Falcons attempt to stay undefeated after defeating the Miami Dolphins in the preseason opener.

Seeing how Ridder performs against the Bengals’ secondary should provide all parties with a better idea of what’s to come in his first opportunity to be the full-time starter after sitting behind former No. 2 overall pick Marcus Mariota for most of his rookie year.

Cincinnati has made it to at least the AFC Championship in the past two seasons, and although Atlanta took their All-Pro safety Jessie Bates III in free agency, their defense should still be a formidable challenge for Ridder.

Last year, the Bengals were in the top half of teams regarding the least passing yards allowed defensively despite going against elite passers such as Josh Allen, Tom Brady, and Patrick Mahomes.

On the other side of the ball, Ridder will attempt to carry on the success and momentum that the Falcons found down the stretch last season when he led them to consecutive victories to close out 2022.

If Ridder impresses on Friday, he’ll spark hope in Atlanta fans that this season could end their six-year playoff drought.

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