The Atlanta Falcons open the 2023 NFL Season with a matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
This is Desmond Ridder’s first chance as the team’s full-time starter as he enters year two of his career.
Ridder’s role as the starter has provided mixed reactions throughout sports media, but he appears up for the challenge.
In a recent post shared via the team’s official page, Ridder said, “I feel like I have to prove myself to myself.”
The next chapter begins Sunday
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— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 5, 2023
He added, “I know what I can do, both mentally and physically. Now, I have to go do it.”
Ridder appears confident in his abilities as the quarterback of the Falcons.
He is trying to be the next franchise quarterback, the first since the departure of Matt Ryan.
While these might be big footsteps to fill, Ridder has significant assistance on offense to help him succeed.
The organization has invested heavily around him, drafting Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts, all in the first round.
Each of these three athletes are highly touted at their respective positions.
Pitts is the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history, and the Falcons believe he will make a massive impact on this team.
He gets an opportunity alongside London, Robinson, and Ridder this season, a team that is looking to make a playoff push.
The Panthers are rolling out Bryce Young as their starter.
If both teams experience growing pains early, it’s a chance for both teams to get acclimated to the NFL, hoping to start the season on the right foot.
NEXT: Falcons WR Warns The NFL About Desmond Ridder
