Desmond Ridder, the rookie quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, has impressed through two preseason contests by showcasing exceptional accuracy and agility. Coach Arthur Smith seemed obviously upset on the sidelines during Monday night’s 24-16 defeat to the New York Jets with some of the rookie’s choices and the abundance of team penalties.
Smith gave the youngster some harsh love while pointing out that his stern guidance of the quarterback comes with higher expectations.
Desmond is something I have big hopes for, Smith added. “Desmond is a good player and can withstand that sort of coaching, so we’ll be tough on him. And he knows that we’re trying to move him forward quickly rather than treating him like a rookie. He was a good thrower. He has certain things to tidy up, particularly in relation to the operation.” During the second quarter of the game, Ridder completed 10 out of 13 passes for 143 yards.
