No TDs, No Problem? Falcons QB Desmond Ridder 2023 Starter?

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is making a case to be the starter in 2023. But he is missing a key accomplishment for his resume.

Jeremy Brener | Jan 2, 2023

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is still searching for his first NFL touchdown after the first three starts of his career.

Even though the touchdowns aren't coming, Ridder's efforts were enough to clinch a 20-19 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, including a game-winning drive as time expired.

Ridder completed over 73 percent of his passes and threw for 169 yards in Sunday's win, arguably his cleanest showing so far this season.

But has Ridder done enough to earn himself the Week 1 job for the 2023 season?

The jury's still out.

Ridder will certainly be on the Falcons roster next season, but there will be several options on who will accompany him in the quarterback room.

The team could opt for a veteran quarterback in free agency, a rookie in the 2023 draft, or both.

Ridder is still an intriguing prospect and there's certainly room for improvement as he embarks on his first true offseason as a pro, but a big part of being a quarterback - let alone one in the NFL - is scoring touchdowns.

Ridder has yet to do that, even against a lowly Cardinals defense without multiple starters. That means Ridder is likely going to be an underdog in the Falcons quarterback competition this offseason.

Follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

Get your HOTlanta Falcons game tickets from SI Tickets ... here!

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Falcons? Click Here.

Follow Falcon Report on Twitter.

Want even more Atlanta Falcons news? Check out the SI.com team page here

Published Jan 2, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.