Taylor Heinicke Gives Falcons 'Best Chance' as Coach Arthur Smith Explains QB Decision

The Atlanta Falcons planned on starting Desmond Ridder at quarterback for the final seven games after the bye week, but with three weeks remaining, coach Arthur Smith turned back to Taylor Heinicke. Here's why.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and the Atlanta Falcons, who've lost back-to-back games inside of the final minute, are firmly in desperation mode.

Falcons coach Arthur Smith confirmed at his press conference Wednesday that Taylor Heinicke will replace Desmond Ridder as Atlanta's starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Falcons' plan is for Heinicke to finish the season as the starter - but why?

"We feel right now, with where we're at, that Taylor gives us the best chance," Smith said. "We have to adapt."

The 30-year-old Heinicke, who took over in the second half of Week 8 after Ridder entered concussion protocol and started the next two games, has completed 41 of 74 (55.4 percent) of his attempts for 498 yards, three touchdowns and an interception this season.

Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) reacts after a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium / Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons went 0-2 during Heinicke's brief stint as the starter, sending Smith back to the drawing board during the bye week, and Atlanta's third-year coach opted to give the reigns back to Ridder.

During his four games back as a starter, Ridder went 63 of 108 (58.3 percent) for 788 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions. He completed 13 or fewer passes and threw for less than 170 yards in three of the four games.

It's possible the Falcons' final straw with Ridder came in Sunday's 9-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers, during which the second-year pro threw a crucial redzone interception halfway through the fourth quarter.

Smith noted at a premium position like quarterback, it's important to take care of the ball - and while he didn't point fingers at Ridder, ultimately backtracked on his post-bye week intentions.

"Obviously, Des came back a few weeks ago - plan was to let him finish out the season," Smith said. "But you have to be willing to adapt."

The journey isn't over for Ridder, Smith said, and the 24-year-old will be Heinicke's backup over the season's final three weeks.

"Desmond is a very tough-minded kid," Smith said. "We love Desmond. He’ll be a play away. These aren’t easy decisions. The ball could bounce his way again. We appreciate all he has done."

In other news from Smith's press conference, only right tackle Kaleb McGary (knee) and defensive tackle David Onyemata (ankle) will miss Wednesday's practice with injuries.

McGary has missed each of Atlanta's last two games, while Onyemata was inactive in Sunday's loss to the Panthers.

Additionally, the Falcons claimed defensive tackle Tommy Togiai off the Cleveland Browns' practice squad and elevated him to the active roster. The move comes just one day after Atlanta released defensive tackle Travis Bell.

Falcons Bench Ridder, Ending Biggest Failure of Smith, Fontenot Era

But the story from Wednesday in Flowery Branch is simple - it's Heinicke's show, and the Falcons' hopes of making the playoffs for the first time in six years resides in the hands of the signal caller who showed up to his press conference donning a Busch Beer sweatshirt.

"Taylor has had a lot of success in this league in big moments," Smith said. "That's why we signed him."

The Falcons (6-8) are set to host the Colts (8-6) at 1 p.m. EST Sunday inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.