So, it’s well below freezing in Atlanta as I write this Bair Mail. There are winds and rain that can turn to ice and soon make us all bad drivers, right before the Christmas holidays. Hips, hips hooray.
Just imagine me, a guy from San Diego, dealing with the elements. Let me stay in the slow lane. Ha. It’s not ideal, but we’ll figure it out.
Just came in from BBQ-ing outside, in a snow jacket – my parents are here and I’m good at it, what am I going to do – and thought I’d answer a few questions.
Unsurprisingly, some are about Desmond Rider. Though I do appreciate Anthony Turner for asking such a focused question. We got another one in Grady Jarrett’s big year and the lack of national respect for it, plus seeing how the Falcons can (and should) approach the 2023 NFL Draft. Yep, we’ve reached that point in this year. Unless the Falcons win in Baltimore and another NFC South loses, we could get some more. Watch out. Ha.
Let’s dive into what you’ve got to talk about in the mailbag this Friday:
Anthony Turner of Fort Mill, S.C.
I think Ridder did a great job last Sunday as he was thrown into a tough game in a hostile environment. Very tough on any rookie especially @ the quarterback position. But what I’m interested to see from Rider is not just his strong arms but his accuracy. Can he put the ball on the receiver’s outside shoulder so only the receiver can get to it? Can he place the ball on the back line of the end zone so only the receiver can get to it. This is what makes Drew Brees & Tom Brady is great but what got Mariota backed up. Not just arm strength but accuracy!! I know it will take time & training, but I believe in what Rider is made up of both physically & this intellect will & must happen.
Bair: Like this question. Anthony. Very specific. I love it. As for Desmond Ridder’s accuracy, his consistency was an issue during the pre-NFL-Draft process. This knocked Ridder’s sterling resume a bit, though partly because he took a big hit. He completed just 55 percent of his passes as a sophomore at Cincinnati, and hit 64.5 percent as a senior. That’s not so bad. However, at this level, hitting tight throws is very important. Can he do that regularly?
Bringing up Tom Brady and Drew Brees isn’t fair here, as both of them are as accurate as any pitcher.
One thing I can say for sure: The sample size of one game is not enough. Four isn’t either, which is why we need to see signs of growth. So much of the talk this week, after a sub-100 yard appearance has been about offensive operations. That’s important, and he’s been through early hoops with all of that, but even Ridder admits that post-snap performance needs to be better – bottom line, actually – to be a truly productive passer.
Rider could be that. I really think so. I also think he’s a clutch, a winner. Consistent accuracy, as you’ve pointed out, Anthony, is a bit of an unknown, he’s going to have to show some progress to drop a quarterback to the Falcons’ priority list.
How fair is Donald to bowl pro over Jarrett, Grady’s stats are better and not only did ad99 make it, HE IS A Rookie, that’s not fair.
Bair: I see what you mean, Isaac. Grady has had a great year in its own way, and maybe even better with some additional context. Rarely do you see a player go out on fire after signing a long-term contract. Jarrett seemed more motivated to work on his third contract. Also, he wasn’t much help up front, especially after Ta’Quon Graham lost through injury. This is Jarrett, an undrafted free agent and some journeyman along the lines, and he’s still close to a career high in the sack.
I’m not going to light the fire by comparing Jarrett to Aaron Donald, even when the superstar defensive tackle hasn’t played all season. The Pro Bowl is a popularity contest. Don’t forget that A.J. Terrell wasn’t a Pro Bowler last year, but was a second team All-Pro. That should tell you everything you need to know.
I know the whole league respects Jarrett. You can see that in how he is blocked. He has battled through it and found a way to emerge in the big moments. The best thing I can say about Grady is that he has earned his money. So many don’t. He deserves a paycheck whether the Pro Bowl awards come or not.
Will Smith of Summerville, Ga.
I have a non-Ridder question for you. Instead, let’s take a look at next year’s draft. Terry said he drafted the best available players but I would focus on the best available defenders. We definitely needed some help on the corner and edge rushers. Do you think he and Arthur will rethink their basic draft philosophy and draft for obvious needs? Thank you.
Bair: Hey Will! Always appreciate questions. I will say this about the NFL Draft. GMs have always said that the need for the best available players supersedes need. That’s true up to a point. Teams line up the best players available… in a required group of premium positions. I’m definitely talking about the first half, but that’s how it goes.
The only time that needs to lose its head is with the quarterback. It’s so important that teams that need a QB go crazy over the draft in a normal year – P.S. 2022 is NOT a normal year – and it gets big. We don’t know whether or not the Falcons need a franchise quarterback, or where Desmond Rider ranks versus the guys they can get. Time will tell on that front.
But, back to your point, Will. I think the Falcons can focus on a needed group of positions, depending on their depth throughout the draft, which will include edge rusher, line of defense, offensive tackle, and cornerback. But… if they decide they need a quarterback and someone they think of as a franchise type is available, then they go quarterback. I still think they need elite bait rioters. So. Bad.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 rides his bike during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, Tuesday, December 20, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons Drake London wide receiver #5 Falcons Drake London #5 wide receiver during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees and cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, Tuesday, December 20, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are running behind B.J. Baylor #36 and running behind Avery Williams #35 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons outfielder DeAngelo Malone #51 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, Wednesday, December 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Rider #4 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees during a training exercise in Flowery Branch, Georgia, Wednesday, December 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons Defensive Midfielder Timmy Horne #93 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Rider #4 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons run against the #25 Tyler Allgeier during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Kobe Smith #72 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, Wednesday, December 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons run behind Avery Williams #35 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, Wednesday, December 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, Wednesday, December 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #35 and wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons safety Erik Harris #23 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Josh Ali #80 practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith and safety Erik Harris #23 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, Wednesday, December 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons outer quarterback coach Ted Monachino trains in Flowery Branch, Georgia, Wednesday, December 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons Drake London #5 wide receiver during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Logan Woodside #6 and quarterback Desmond Ridder #4 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Quinton Bell #56 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Who has the 34th pick in the NFL draft?
What did the Packers give up for the pick 34? 34th place in trade with the hated (by the Vikings) Green Bay Packers. In return, the Vikings got a pair of second-round picks, the 53rd and 59th overall picks. See the article : We’re cheerleaders but country girls at heart – our uniforms go great with cowboy boots…. With the 34th pick, the Packers took North Dakota State receiver Christian Watson.
Who has been selected so far in the 2022 NFL Draft? So let’s check the progress of each rookie recruited in the first round.
- No.1: Travon Walker, Edge, Jacksonville Jaguars. …
- Number 2: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Detroit Lions. …
- Number 3: Derek Stingley, CB, Houston Texans. …
- Number 4: Ahmad Gardner, CB, New York Jets. …
- Number 5: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, New York Giants. …
- Not. …
- Not. …
- Not.
Who was the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft?
With the 262nd and final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected quarterback Brock Purdy of Iowa State. Read also : O-Zone: Dead.
Why was Brock Purdy last chosen? “Look, there was a reason he was the last pick in the draft,†Cosell said on the “Ross Tucker Podcast.†“Because he was a four-year starter at Iowa State, he did play 46 games as a starter, so he played a lot of college football. “But he’s one of those people who have average arm strength.
Is Desmond Ridder going to the NFL?
The Falcons selected Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. On the same subject : Video of NFL Player Being ‘Bullshit’ By Cheerleaders Goes Viral. The Atlanta Falcons ended a quarterback drought in Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Is Desmond Rider back in Cincinnati? Desmond Ridder played four seasons for the University of Cincinnati, leading the Bearcats to become the first non-Power 5 team to qualify for the College Football Playoffs. Now, he’s back in Cincinnati after six months as the Falcons’ backup quarterback.
Did Rider go to the NFL? He played college football in Cincinnati, where he was twice named AAC Offensive Player of the Year before being selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Is Desmond Ridder starting for the Falcons?
Atlanta selected Ridder in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Ridder helped guide Cincinnati to an appearance in the College Football Playoffs in the 2021 season. Ridder will replace veteran Marcus Mariota, who started every game for the Falcons this season. Mariota went 5-8 as Atlanta’s starter.
Is Desmond Rider a starter? ATLANTA — Former University of Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder has been named the starter for the Atlanta Falcons, according to multiple reports and an updated team depth chart.
