Raiders Set to Host Falcons with Ridder Making First Start
On Monday night, the Las Vegas Raiders will welcome the Atlanta Falcons in what promises to be an intriguing NFL matchup. All eyes will be on Desmond Ridder, who is expected to start for the Raiders for the first time. The quarterback's journey to this pivotal moment has been anything but straightforward, marked by trades, a release, and a brief stint on a practice squad.
Ridder's career began when the Atlanta Falcons selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Over the course of two seasons with the Falcons, Ridder started 17 games, recording an 8-9 overall record. Notably, last season saw Ridder taking on the starter's mantle 13 times, leading the Falcons to a 6-7 finish in those contests.
This offseason, the Falcons made significant moves in the quarterback department, signing veteran Kirk Cousins and drafting the promising Michael Penix Jr. These changes indicated a shift away from Ridder as Atlanta sought to bolster its quarterback lineup with experienced and emerging talent.
Ridder's journey took another turn in March when he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals. However, his time in Arizona was short-lived; Ridder was released by the Cardinals at the end of training camp. Just when it seemed he might be sidelined for the season, the Las Vegas Raiders saw potential in Ridder. They signed him off the Cardinals' practice squad in late October, despite his non-starting status in their games thus far.
Since joining the Raiders, Ridder has participated in four games, showcasing his skills in brief appearances. He has completed 28 out of 44 passes—translating to a 63.6% completion rate—and has amassed 239 yards with one touchdown. These statistics reflect his capability and potential, though Monday night's start will present a new opportunity to impress.
The decision to start Ridder comes as Aidan O'Connell, the Raiders' other quarterback, is listed as questionable due to a knee injury. This development paves the way for Ridder, now 25 years old and entering his third year in the NFL, to take center stage and perhaps reshape his professional narrative.
Meanwhile, the Falcons appear prepared to move forward with Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. as their main quarterbacks. Cousins brings with him a wealth of experience that could prove invaluable, while Penix Jr. offers a fresh dynamic to the Falcons’ roster.
For Ridder, the upcoming game is not just another entry on the schedule; it's a chance to prove his mettle. His trajectory may have involved unexpected detours, but every step has prepared him for this moment. As the Raiders look to solidify their lineup, Ridder's performance could influence not just immediate starting roles, but potentially his long-term standing with the team.
The stakes are high, and Ridder's journey underscores the unpredictable yet exciting nature of professional sports careers. Monday night will be an opportunity—not just for Ridder to demonstrate his abilities—but for fans to witness a compelling game as the Falcons, bolstered by their own quarterback changes, face off against a reshuffled Raiders team eager to capitalize on Ridder’s potential. The unfolding narrative is one of talent, resilience, and the quest for opportunity within the unforgiving arena of the NFL.