Desmond Ridder is announced as the new Atlanta Falcons quarterback

The Atlanta Falcons are set to make a switch at quarterback, as third-round rookie Desmond Ridder will take over from Marcus Mariota for the team’s Week 15 game against the New Orleans Saints. 

With Atlanta on a bye this week, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the 23-year-old will be given more practice time to fully immerse himself with the team’s offensive unit ahead of their next game on December 18. 

Mariota, who joined the Falcons from the Las Vegas Raiders before the start of the season, has been too inconsistent with his passes, contributing to the team’s overall 5-8 records. His passing yards, passing touchdowns and completion percentage are ranked among the worst in the league. He also is tied for fifth in interceptions (nine). 

Desmond Ridder is set to be the new Atlanta Falcons starting QB vs. the New Orleans Saints

‘It’s tough to say where my mind’s at,’ Mariota said after Sunday’s 19-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. ‘I’m still trying to reflect on the game. At the end of the day, they’ve got to make a decision as to what’s best for the team and whatever happens happens, but I’m not really thinking about that right now.’ 

Coach Arthur Smith stopped short of saying Mariota, in his first season with the Falcons after spending two years as a backup with Las Vegas, will be benched. 

‘It’s a unique time,’ Smith said. ‘We’re about to go into the bye. We’ll evaluate everything. Every job is open.’ 

‘Like I said, everything is on the table,’ he added after the team’s second loss in a row. ‘We’ve got this late bye. We’ve got a quarter of the season left. We’ll come in and talk as a staff this week. Like I said, every option is on the table.’ 

It’s clear that the Falcons are wasting no time in attempting to salvage a playoff berth. 

Technically still eligible to reach the posteason, Atlanta would likely need to win both of their remaining divisional games to top the NFC South. The team’s last game of the regular season is against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the divisional leaders. 

Ridder, who was drafted in April, led the Cincinnati Bearcats to the college football playoffs last season. He has yet to take an NFL appearance.

The 23-year-old’s performances will be crucial in the Falcons’ approach to the next offseason. Atlanta is currently check in to draft the 10th overall pick of next year’s draft and resolve the team’s quarterback dilemmas will be key to determine if the front office needs to recruit from elsewhere.