I apologize, folks. I thought the Falcons knew what they were doing. Yeah, I’m an idiot.
Arthur Smith made a quarterback change for reasons unclear. “A lot of variables,” he said half a dozen times, non-explaining his decision to elevate career backup Taylor Heinicke above Desmond Ridder, whom the same Smith, not so long ago, chose to lead his Falcons forward. They were 4-4 in Ridder’s starts this season. They’re 0-2 in Heinicke’s.
The Falcons have lost three consecutive games. They were favored in all three. The first loss came against the Titans and a rookie quarterback making his first start. That was the day Ridder got not-quite-hurt and Smith turned to Heinicke, who led a not-quite-winning rally.
For variables unknown, Smith kept the not-quite-hurt Ridder on the bench against Minnesota, which soon was down to a No. 4 quarterback so new to the team he hadn’t taken a practice snap. Joshua Dobbs led his latest club to 21 second-half points. It was among the worst losses in Falcons annals, which is saying something. But wait.
Sunday’s debacle in the desert might have been worse.