Sunday’s early international NFL game in London between the Atlanta Falcons and the Jacksonville Jaguars started as yet another rough one for Falcons’ quarterback Desmond Ridder. On two consecutive series in the second quarter, and even two consecutive offensive plays, Ridder threw interceptions. And the first was returned 61 yards for a touchdown by Dari Williams:
That's a Darious Williams PICK-6! @Jaguars#ATLvsJAX on ESPN+
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Jq9JHUeqb6 pic.twitter.com/iptA26RX1i— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2023
This got even more attention than normal thanks to the ESPN+ alternate Toy Story Sunday Funday broadcast:
Desmond Ridder's pick-six, Toy Story style: pic.twitter.com/aCBol0WHNS
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 1, 2023
After that touchdown, a kickoff and touchback set the Falcons up at their own 35. And Ridder then promptly threw another interception on first down, with this one going to Andre Cisco:
Back-to-back interceptions for the @Jaguars defense!#ATLvsJAX on ESPN+
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Jq9JHUeqb6 pic.twitter.com/4YlMMChvS1— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2023
Through the first half, Ridder had completed just nine passes on 14 attempts (64.3 percent) for 73 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions, and his team was down 17-0 at the break. And this adds to what’s been a rough start to a NFL career for the former Cincinnati Bearcats’ quarterback, who the Falcons chose in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft (74th overall).
Last year, Ridder appeared in just four games for Atlanta towards the end of the season. He took over from Marcus Mariota, who had had his own struggles, and completed 73 of 115 passing attempts (63.5 percent) for 708 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. And the Falcons kept him as their starter heading into this season. But it’s been a difficult sophomore campaign for Ridder, who had 55 completions on 88 attempts (62.5 percent) for just 553 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception through the first three weeks, and the Falcons’ 2-1 start was not particularly about good play from him. And his play in the first half Sunday drew incredible criticism, including with Toy Story references:
Andy looking at Desmond Ridder pic.twitter.com/nWtyHTkgs3
— Master (@MasterTes) October 1, 2023
Andy’s room watching Desmond Ridder throw back-to-back INTs pic.twitter.com/VEKyBFVXMB
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) October 1, 2023
When Sid gets his hands on the Desmond Ridder toy pic.twitter.com/C0iu1xAClO
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 1, 2023
Desmond Ridder is not built for the bright lights of Andy’s room pic.twitter.com/RZlfYtcFcw
— Barstool Gambling (@stoolgambling) October 1, 2023
Ridder ain’t it right now. Tried to tell you that a month ago. ATL fans didn’t like that. They’re good enough to compete in games like this and they need more. No disrespect. #1 in turnover worthy plays coming in and throwing the ball less than 2/3 of league. Luck runs out.
— chris long (@JOEL9ONE) October 1, 2023
You know it’s bad when the whole team don’t even wanna dap up Desmond ridder pic.twitter.com/gcyQ5bmZqW
— 🧐 (@livelifeloveeet) October 1, 2023
dude, mack hollins wanted none of this desmond ridder high five after he missed him on the post pic.twitter.com/mxd4Vg14XV
— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) October 1, 2023
Kyle Pitts going to work with Desmond ridder everyday pic.twitter.com/FMKCUhXvI1
— 𝙻̷𝚞̷𝚜̷ 📯 (@Theylovelus) October 1, 2023
This also sparked calls for backup Taylor Heinicke:
Desmond Ridder in the first half vs. the #Jaguars:
9-14, 73 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INT, 3 sacks, 37.8 QBR.How long before we see Heinicke in for the #Falcons 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Tq4CGII768
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 1, 2023
I think you have to put in Taylor Heinicke, at least for this second half. Ridder is broken.
— Kevin Knight (@FalcoholicKevin) October 1, 2023
Hard to trust Ridder to make routine reads. Hard to trust Ridder to hit downfield posts. Hard to trust Ridder to do anything at this point. Think a discussion has to be had about bringing in Heinicke.
— Allen Strk (@allenstrk) October 1, 2023
taylor heinicke sitting on the bench rn looking at the coaching staff pic.twitter.com/kwXsV9OAOt
— vic (@smittytds) October 1, 2023
We’ll see what happens with the Falcons’ quarterback situation, but it’s certainly not going well for Ridder right now.
