Desmond Ridder 'Confident' in Arthur Smith, Improving Falcons' Offense
Fantasy football managers are begging the Atlanta Falcons to air it out with receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. Head coach Arthur Smith couldn’t care less.
His Falcons are 2-0 with wins over the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers. They rank 12th in expected points added per play and boast an elite rushing attack. However, cynics have pointed a finger at quarterback Desmond Ridder, who seems to be protected by Smith’s game plans.
Ridder is averaging less than six air yards per attempt. The backfield has made up 14 of the team’s 48 targets, and running back Bijan Robinson is leading the team with 11 targets. Smith is getting his most elusive players the ball with room to operate, even at the expense of a downfield passing attack. So far, it’s working.
“I feel very confident,” Ridder said. He credits Smith with an intense eye for detail and adjustments that help the offense improve.
“One thing we talk about is just a growth mindset,” Ridder continued. “How [we are] always able to put one thing on film and then be able to get better from it the next week.”
Ridder has completed 34 of his 50 pass attempts this season for 352 yards and two scores. Amidst criticism for not only his play, but the long-term future of the offense, he’s remained optimistic, placing faith in the staff that made him a third-round pick and a starting quarterback.
“I feel like we’re in a great spot … being able to line up and go call the same plays that we called last week and be able to go execute it,” Ridder concluded.
Atlanta’s hot start has been fueled by an improved defense and a strong ground game, but continued development from Ridder would be pivotal in winning the NFC South.
Earning more of Smith’s trust may end up making those fantasy managers happy. For now, though, he’s simply focused on doing what he can to improve. He’ll have a chance to showcase the next step in his development on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
