A familiar refrain for the Atlanta Falcons this season, the team is shelving starting quarterback Desmond Ridder in favor of Taylor Heinicke, the move comes as the Falcons' playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. According to the depth chart released on Tuesday, which was first noted by Atlanta News First, Ridder has been downgraded to the backup role while Heinicke is pegged to start this Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. This decision tails a disappointing 9-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, a defeat that's had a significant impact on the team's standing in the NFC South.
Despite attempts by Falcons coach Arthur Smith to add some mystery to next week's starting lineup, asserting on Monday "It’s not final," the switch seems to be more a pattern than a secret with Ridder previously benched earlier this season, and then reinstated, after Heinicke's two-game start ended in losses, a team source revealed to Atlanta News First, that the call to start Heinicke was made shortly after the Panther's game, Ridder's interception during that match-up was a costly one, setting up the Panthers' game-winning field goal.
Atlanta's struggle to keep a playoff berth viable has been marked by Ridder's unfortunate position at the top of the NFL with six red-zone turnovers this year. "When you have that responsibility of the football and knowing the situation, those are critical mistakes," Coach Smith candidly spoke to frustration and accountability, as FOX Sports reported. This latest move almost certainly curtains Ridder's tenure as Atlanta's starting quarterback as postseason opportunities dim.
The team's woes aren't secluded to the quarterback position though, their scoring ranking at a dismal 26th and a once robust running game fell to the 21st position this year, star running back Bijan Robinson, despite being a top-10 pick, fumbled in the last game and saw no more action after that incident. Looking ahead, after the Colts, Atlanta faces the Chicago Bears and closes the season against the division co-leading New Orleans Saints, outcomes of these match-ups may well seal Smith's fate with Atlanta if they end with less than last year's seven wins, Smith has been known to take setbacks in his stride, indicating "Your greatest success can come after that," in words sourced by FOX Sports.
