Aug 27, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) in action against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars at Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons will start Desmond Ridder in Week 15 against the Saints, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
With Atlanta on a bye this week, the rookie will get much needed extra time to prepare for his first career start. While Marcus Mariota has struggled, this still comes as surprise. Atlanta is just one game out of the division lead in the vaunted NFC South.
Regardless, head coach Arthur Smith left open the possibility of Ridder starting after the team’s Week 13 loss to the Steelers and now appears to have made the switch.
Through the first 13 games of the season, Mariota has been unaspiring, throwing for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He’s maintained fantasy value thanks to his 84-438-4 rushing line.
The Falcons selected Ridder in the third round of this year’s NFL draft.
