Desmond Ridder Praises Atlanta Falcons WR Drake London's Maturity, Leadership

Desmond Ridder has taken notice of the steps his Atlanta Falcons teammate, receiver Drake London, has taken to become a better leader in 2023.

Atlanta Falcons receiver Drake London could have spiraled after Week 1’s empty box score.

He saw no catches on just a single target in the victory over the Carolina Panthers. London could have made his frustration clear, using his top-ten selection pedigree to back his comments. He could have sparked trade rumors, citing quarterback Desmond Ridder as a hindrance to his future earnings.

Instead, he persevered and has been rewarded for it. Ridder, who may have taken a step forward himself with a 307-yard performance in Week 6, took notice. The quarterback spoke about London’s growth from last season.

Drake London makes a play on the ball in London, England / USA Today Sports

“I think for Drake where it comes is his leadership,” Ridder said. “But I think what a lot of you guys might not see sometimes is just the mental stability of it.”

The NFL is a gauntlet, throwing physical, mental, and statistical burdens at its players every week. It’s impossible to avoid some sort of adversity. Learning how to mitigate and grow from it is part of what separates professional talents from the collegiate ranks.

“Whether he doesn't get a ball or misses one ball or makes a bad play or whatever it was … you see him down in the dumps,” Ridder added. “I think what he's done a really good job of this year is being able to kind of take more of that neutral thinking and kind of stay neutral and never try to get too high and never try to get too low.”

In the games since London’s unfortunate opener, he has caught 26 of 42 targets for 329 yards and two scores. In Week 6’s loss to the Washington Commanders, he saw a season-high in targets (12), receptions (nine), and yards (125).

By the looks of it, he is continuing on the strong foundation he set during his rookie season, even if the improvements aren’t purely physical.

“He's done a good job of keeping that energy all game," Ridder said.

The two will get to showcase further development against the NFC South rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.