WATCH: Desmond Ridder Rushing TD Gives Atlanta Falcons Lead vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Atlanta Falcons are off to a fast start Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside Raymond-James Stadium.
For the second consecutive week, the Falcons scored on their opening drive, led by a strong showing from quarterback Desmond Ridder.
Taking over just shy of midfield after a fourth-down stop by Atlanta's defense, Ridder guided an eight-play, 58-yard drive during which he completed all four of his pass attempts for 46 yards.
Facing a 3rd and Goal from the Tampa Bay two-yard line, Falcons coach Arthur Smith trusted Ridder to make a decision on a read option - and the second-year signal caller delivered, keeping it for his third rushing touchdown of the season.
Ridder's production has taken a big step forward of late, garnering confidence from Smith and assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray that he'll grow into a quality starting quarterback.
During the season's first four weeks, Ridder completed 74 of 119 passes (62.2 percent) for 744 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions while taking 16 sacks.
Over the past two games, Ridder's gone 56 of 84 (66.7 percent) for 636 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions while being sacked three times.
Desmond Ridder gave the Atlanta Falcons lots to celebrate on the first drive against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
USA Today Sports
Now, he's off to a quick start in Tampa Bay, and Atlanta's offense has, uncoincidentally, scored a first quarter touchdown in each of the past three games.
The challenge becomes sustaining this start - and for Ridder, a victory would be his first on the road as a professional starter and would vault the Falcons to first place in the NFC South as the season nears the halfway point.
