Desmond Ridder: From the Falcons to the Raiders
As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare to welcome the Atlanta Falcons for a Monday night showdown, all eyes are on Desmond Ridder, who is slated to make his first start as a Raider. Ridder's journey to this starting position has been a winding road, exemplifying the unpredictable nature of professional football careers.
Ridder was initially drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. During his tenure with the Falcons, he started 17 games and compiled a somewhat middling career record of 8-9. In the 13 games he started last season, he posted a 6-7 record, illustrating both his potential and the challenges he faced as a young quarterback in the NFL.
The Falcons, not entirely satisfied with their quarterback situation, sought changes during the offseason. They strategically signed veteran Kirk Cousins and brought Michael Penix Jr. into the mix via the draft. With new quarterbacks in the locker room, Ridder's future in Atlanta was cast into uncertainty. The team's decision to trade him to the Arizona Cardinals in March marked the beginning of his turbulent offseason.
After arriving in Arizona, Ridder faced another setback when the Cardinals released him at the end of their training camp. The Raiders seized the opportunity and signed Ridder off the Cardinals' practice squad in late October. Despite his tumultuous offseason, Ridder remained determined and patient, eventually earning his chance to lead the Raiders' offense on the field.
His initial performance with the Raiders has been limited, though promising. Ridder has appeared in four games so far, though not in a starting role. During this brief period, he completed 28 of his 44 attempted passes, achieving a respectable completion rate of 63.6%. His efforts resulted in 239 passing yards and a single touchdown, indicating that he has adapted well to the Raiders' system in a short time.
What stands before Ridder now is a significant opportunity to showcase his skills as a starting quarterback. While his path to this moment has been riddled with challenges, Ridder is ready to seize this vital opportunity. At 25 years old, entering his third NFL season, Ridder stands poised to potentially redefine his career trajectory.
The transition from the practice squad to starting quarterback has not been without its drama, particularly for this organization. The Raiders face their own set of challenges in the quarterback department, with Aidan O'Connell listed as questionable due to a knee injury. This development further opens the door for Ridder to make his mark during this critical matchup against his former team.
For the Falcons, the transition away from Ridder was part of a broader strategy. By securing Kirk Cousins and tapping into young talent with Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta is clearly looking for reliable leadership behind center. These decisions demonstrate the franchise's dedication to optimizing their roster and making the necessary adjustments to remain competitive in a fiercely contested league.
Monday night's meeting between the Raiders and the Falcons not only promises an exciting game but also offers a narrative of redemption for Ridder, who will find himself across the field from his former teammates. As Ridder takes to the field at Allegiant Stadium, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how he handles this significant juncture in his career.
For Ridder, this start is more than just another game; it is an opportunity to prove himself as a competent NFL starter, capable of leading a team with aspirations for postseason contention. As he grips the ball under the Monday night lights, Ridder's past experiences, the highs and lows, have prepared him for this moment. Whether his performance unfolds into long-term success remains to be seen, but for now, he stands at the precipice with determination and a fresh slate.