The Atlanta Falcons have some talented young offensive pieces that the organization is hoping pan out and become stars at the NFL level.
Drake London and Kyle Pitts represent the future of the passing game while Bijan Robinson is projected to be one of the best running backs in the league as soon as he makes his debut.
Tying the offense together is Desmond Ridder, who the Falcons selected No. 74 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
That draft class featured a mixed bag of quarterback prospects, but Atlanta took a swing on Ridder who had a successful collegiate career with the University of Cincinnati.
Ridder backed up Marcus Mariota for most of the 2022 campaign before starting the final four games of the season.
Entering 2023, Ridder will be the clear-cut starter and head coach Arthur Smith expressed his confidence in the young quarterback, via Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.
“We wouldn’t put Desmond Ridder out there if we weren’t confident,” Smith said.
Arthur Smith: We wouldn't put Desmond Ridder out there if we weren't confident. https://t.co/DHAGK7Btyd
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 7, 2023
Ridder showed some real flashes down the stretch last season as he finished with 708 passing yards, 64 rushing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
It’s a small sample size, but Ridder’s got the skills to make plays happen either via the air or on the ground.
Smith leaned on the run heavily throughout the first part of the 2022 season, but with Ridder under center he allowed the then-rookie to air it out more.
With weapons like London and Pitts, Smith would be wise to allow Ridder to pass more though Robinson will be there to support him should they need to ease the pressure off him.
NEXT: Desmond Ridder Sends Humble Message Ahead Of Falcons Opener
