Skip to main content
Tuesday, November 10, 2026Nov 10
Subscribe
All Sections
Search
More

As Falcons throw more, Desmond Ridder must reduce turnovers

AP photo by Butch Dill / Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder passes as Washington Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill makes contact during last Sunday's game in Atlanta.
AP photo by Butch Dill / Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder passes as Washington Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill makes contact during last Sunday's game in Atlanta. AP photo by Butch Dill / Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder passes as Washington Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill makes contact during last Sunday's game in Atlanta.

By CHARLES ODUM / The Associated Press 4 min read

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons appeared to be committed to a run-first offense through the first four weeks of the season.

Look again.

Desmond Ridder has posted back-to-back games with more than 300 passing yards the past two weeks, the first such instance coming as the second-year pro prepares for the 11th start of his NFL career. Coach Arthur Smith said the offense is evolving, even if the changes have come with some pain, including Ridder’s three interceptions in last weekend’s 24-16 home loss to the Washington Commanders.

It was Ridder’s second game with three turnovers in the past three weeks, a disturbing trend. Smith prefers to describe the two turnover-filled games as exceptions to the quarterback’s ability to avoid mistakes in most of his starts to date.

Ridder threw and ran for touchdowns while passing for a career-high 329 yards with no interceptions in a 21-19 home win over the Houston Texans on Oct. 8. He passed for 307 yards with two touchdowns last week, but the three interceptions spoiled his day.