Falcons HC Arthur Smith On Desmond Ridder: ‘Our Starter’

The UC great can do something no Cincinnati passing product ever has.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Mar 28, 2023 3:48 PM EDT

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Cincinnati Bearcats

Atlanta Falcons

CINCINNATI — Desmond Ridder is officially the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback heading into the team's offseason program.

Head coach Arthur Smith confirmed the news with Steve Wyche this week.

"You saw those last two weeks (of the 2022 season) the growth he made from this first start to really his third and fourth," Smith said. "We're excited about it, and we know Taylor (Heinicke) is coming in as a guy that gives you a chance to win. He understands his role and with a plan to go into the season with Desmond as our starter. So we're very excited."

Ridder posted a 2-2 record last season while passing for 708 yards on 63.5% completion, with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. The Cincinnati legend set the school's passing touchdown and total yards record over his dynamic career.

Now he's building toward a strong sophomore season in an intriguing spot. The Falcons can cash in on Ridder's third-round salary around the roster next offseason if he continues to show starting-level play.

Smith and the coaching staff are bought into his development as the Bearcat tries to become the first longtime starting quarterback to ever come out of Cincinnati.

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