Desmond Ridder and the Atlanta Falcons headed into Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans with a 4-3 record and in first place in the NFC South.
Despite Ridder’s struggles through seven games of his sophomore season, the former Cincinnati star seemed entrenched in as Atlanta’s starter.
That’s until head coach Arthur Smith opted to bench the youngster at halftime of Sunday’s game against Tennessee.
The decision came after Ridder completed 8-of-12 passes for 71 yards. He also lost a fumble as Atlanta found itself down 14-3 at the half.
- Desmond Ridder stats (2023): 65% completion, 1,630 yards, 6 TD, 6 INT
Veteran journeyman Taylor Heinicke ultimately came in and replaced Ridder under center. He led Atlanta to a field goal to open up the second half, making it a one-score game.
A third-round pick out of Cincinnati in 2023, Ridder has accounted for six touchdowns and 12 turnovers through 7.5 games.
Obviously, head coach Arthur Smith was not happy about those turnovers in making the decision to bench Ridder at the half on Sunday. It’s hard to blame him.
As for Heinicke, he started 24 games for the Washington Commanders over the past two seasons — registering 32 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in the process. The veteran signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons during the offseason.