By their first eight video games of the season, Atlanta is 4-4 after a loss to the Titans in Week 8. Desmond Ridder began the ultimate 4 video games of 2022 for the Falcons. They determined to maintain him because the starter for 2023. Ridder has left so much to be desired for the Falcons this season. He’s 6-6 in his first 12 begins in Atlanta.
The previous third-round choose needed to go away the third quarter of Week 8 to be evaluated for a concussion. Backup QB Taylor Heinicke got here in and completed the sport for the Falcons. He gave a spark to their offense and it was sufficient for the coaches to determine to bench Ridder in Week 8. Heinicke might be making his first begin of the season for the Falcons in Week 9 vs. Minnesota.
Arthur Smith introduced that Taylor Heinicke will begin for the Falcons in Week 8
The #Falcons have named Taylor Heinicke as their beginning QB for this week vs. the Vikings. Desmond Ridder is the backup. pic.twitter.com/cdXYKoQ00I
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 1, 2023
Earlier than signing with the Falcons this offseason, Taylor Heinicke was with the Washington Commanders from 2020-2022. He performed in 26 video games for Washington and made 24 begins. The 30-year-old QB threw for 1,859 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in 9 begins with the Commanders final 12 months.
Heinicke might be taking management of an offense with a variety of expertise. Drake London and Kyle Pitts are going to be his go-to targets when they don’t seem to be operating the ball. Rookie RB Bijan Robinson has been unimaginable to start out the season and Atlanta has leaned on their run sport. With Heinicke as their starter, the group may need slightly bit extra success passing. Desmond Ridder solely had one sport in his first eight begins this season the place he had at the least two passing touchdowns.
Right here’s how #Falcons HC Arthur Smith defined the choice to go together with Taylor Heinicke after saying on Sunday that they didn’t bench Desmond Ridder due to efficiency.pic.twitter.com/NLCuRAS6fs https://t.co/2HX3BeQYkw
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 1, 2023
Head coach Arthur Smith stated to the media that Heinicke is the starter for Week 9 and nothing has been determined any additional than that. It’s arduous to see the Falcons going again to Ridder if Heinicke can play to the usual he’s proven over the previous three seasons. Heinicke was a desired backup this offseason and the Falcons are going to present him his first begin of the season this Sunday vs. the Vikings.
