I just read some of the YouTube comments under the latest episode of our Falcons Final Whistle podcast. Not always a smart move, but I made it anyway. I like to read what listeners have to say, and my ego is strong enough to handle criticism when it is presented.
But, having done so, I want to use this space to tidy things up. I know not everyone who listens to the pod reads Bair Mail and vice versa, but this may be the only chance until the next pod to clarify.
Some of you think Tori, Ashton and I are advocating replacing Desmond Rider immediately after two starts. Nothing could be further from the truth. I really like Desmond and think he has the potential to be a quality starting NFL quarterback. I understand he’s a rookie and he will make rookie mistakes. I also understand that he made progress between his beginnings and trust he will continue to do so through experience and coaching.
I just said the Falcons still need to add a quarterback or two, and they shouldn’t hesitate to go after someone they love. Then you line up and let them compete. We’ll learn a lot about Rider over the four games, but we won’t know everything. I was a little surprised how many were ready to make him the 2023 starter after two games, as surprised as how many thought I was ready to move on after two games. Both attitudes are ridiculous.
Let’s not make a bold shot this time. Let’s take a look and observe and learn as much as we can about this roster and where it needs to improve, and in what priority, during the offseason.
And with that, let’s move on to your questions on this Monday’s mailbag, which, yes, includes the recent Ridder performance.
I don’t want this to be a “jump” reaction to just two games at QB… but in an honest evaluation, Ridder has shown promise, but also some negatives. In particular, the accuracy. The baits always seem to go off the mark. Maybe it’s just me but that’s what I see. My question… do you think he will develop into our long term solution at QB or should we go into the draft to try to find a replacement for Matty Ice? We have indeed been spoiled by Matt Ryan’s reliable game over the years.
Bair: I think that’s a fair assessment, Jim. Ridder looked off-target early in both games, though we were also dealing with a small sample size and Ridder dealt with a pair of confusing defenses in the last two games.
We saw more zipping and better ball placement as Ravens play progressed. We also saw some solid decision making and growth in that area in the contest, where Ridder didn’t fall for the same thing twice. I think there are pluses and minuses to how Ridder plays, as you pointed out.
Expectations on him, however, should be fair. He was still a rookie learning his way, and he would make mistakes. He also had to face some adverse circumstances; how he handles them will be key. I would set out the same wish for Ridder that Arthur Smith has wanted from his team over the last two games: win and show progress. If he does that, Ridder will put himself in a competitive position for early showings next season.
I’m sure you’ll get lots of questions about the Rider, but what is there to say about Atlanta’s need for another offensive weapon, for him. It looks like Ridder is getting more comfortable with attacks as time goes on but it doesn’t look like we have enough offensive weapons to unlock for him. Admittedly we don’t have Pitts for the remainder of the season. Looks like we need another FAST WR in the next draft to comply with London, what do you think?
Bair: I agree with you, Brad, that the Falcons need to add more threats to the passing game, players who make coordinators falter. Right now, Drake London is the only recipient that really freaks you out.
Kyle Pitts will feature next season, when he returns from knee surgery. Speaking of Pitts, the Falcons sure miss him. He would be a huge asset to Ridder, especially as he started his professional career.
Not having one also creates problems in the receiving room. The Falcons need another threat in the pattern. The ability and speed of big play will help the group as a whole. If they can add that, the presence of veterans or both to the position group, the offense position will do better to find the balance it’s looking for. While we haven’t seen him in two of Ridder’s games, I think he has quality deep balls and a strong arm. They just haven’t used that talent much until recently.
The Falcons will have a chance to overhaul the receiving room later this season, with only Drake London under contract for 2023. Many of those brought in at the end of last season were unsuccessful. The front office should do a better job this time around, and will have more resources to make this happen.
Anthony Turner of Fort Mill, S.C.
One thing the Falcons have learned is that whether you are attacking or defending, the game is all about the ball. You MUST PROTECT FOOTBALL WITH YOUR LIFE!!! Your fumbles in this league will more often than not cost you. Mr. London had better set this straight. I don’t care how many plays of circus catch he concocts, if you can’t defend the football, it’s all for nothing. He won’t be in this league for long if he keeps doing this. He needs to anticipate when he catches the ball whenever players from the other team will come from all directions to punch or tear the ball.
Bair: I don’t think anyone understands your point better or the impact of losing a fumble than Drake London. I spoke to him on Saturday night, when he made a lot of great games and one big mistake.
He said that the mistake negated everything. He didn’t back down from his technique covering the ball with both hands and Marlon Humphrey connected with a low percentage hit. He took responsibility and understood how much that mistake cost his team. He also immediately cut off his sleeve — “it was the last straw for his sleeve,” he says. – to maintain better forearm grip on the ball. While his transition to pro ball has been smooth, the substitutions have been an eye opener. He took the game seriously. I will be counting on him working HARD to make sure he fixes this problem.
Call for questions
Post your questions here for the Wednesday mailbag. Also, Millard Woods of Atlanta, I’m not ignoring your comments because they’re critical. I don’t mind disapproval or criticism, even if it’s directed at me personally. On the same subject : UK cheerleading to compete in the UCA national competition. I just need a question or topic I can work on. Do that and I will reply.
Atlanta Falcons inside quarterback Mykal Walker #3 is seen before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by David Dermer/Atlanta Falcons)
David Dermer/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons inside quarterback Troy Andersen #44 and cornerback Darren Hall #34 before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons in quarterback Mykal Walker #3 arrives before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 catches a pass during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Mitchell Martin/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons tight end Parker Hesse #46 boarded a plane at Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA on December 23, 2022 en route to play the Baltimore Ravens. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Darren Hall #34 boards a plane at Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA on December 23, 2022 en route to play the Baltimore Ravens. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarelle Patterson #84 boards a plane at Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA on December 23, 2022 en route to play the Baltimore Ravens. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarelle Patterson #84 talks with receivers before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Tori McElhaney boarded a plane at Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA on December 23, 2022 on her way to play the Baltimore Ravens. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Mitch Martin/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 warms up before their game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by David Dermer/Atlanta Falcons)
David Dermer/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #4 warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by David Dermer/Atlanta Falcons)
David Dermer/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #4 walks out before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 catches a pass during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by David Dermer/Atlanta Falcons)
David Dermer/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #37 boards a plane at Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA on December 23, 2022 en route to play the Baltimore Ravens. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 catches a pass during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by David Dermer/Atlanta Falcons)
David Dermer/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons outfielder Lorenzo Carter #9 boards a plane at Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA on December 23, 2022 en route to play the Baltimore Ravens. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons outfielder Lorenzo Carter #9 lines up during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #35 returns a punt during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by David Dermer/Atlanta Falcons)
David Dermer/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #35 rushes during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Mitchell Martin/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #4 prepares to hit the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #4 rushes during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Mitchell Martin/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons outfielder David Anenih #59 boards a plane at Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA on December 23, 2022 en route to play the Baltimore Ravens. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Mitch Martin/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Mitchell Martin/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 warms up on the sidelines during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Rider #4 boards a plane at Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA on December 23, 2022 en route to play the Baltimore Ravens. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27 defends a pass during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Mitchell Martin/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #4 arrives ahead of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #35 is seen ahead of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons players run out of steam before their game against the Baltimore Ravens at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
A general view of fans during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 24, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
