Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder has had his share of detractors heading into the 2023 season, but he’s got at least one fan in Bleacher Report’s (B/R) Kristopher Knox.
Knox compiled a list that included one breakout-star candidate from each NFL team. He chose Ridder for the Falcons and is ready to name him a breakout star for the entire NFL.
B/R was high on Ridder coming out of college and didn’t see anything in 2022 to change their minds last year.
“Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder didn’t get a ton of attention as a rookie last season,” wrote Knox. “However, he was the top-rated quarterback by the Bleacher Report Scouting Department heading into the 2022 draft, and the Falcons got a look at his upside late in the year.”
“The Falcons have also surrounded Ridder with quite the collection of skill players. Between Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Tyler Allgeier, Jonnu Smith, Cordarrelle Patterson, Mack Hollins, Scott Miller and rookie Bijan Robinson, he’ll have no shortage of options on any given play.”
“With an impressive cadre of playmakers and a full offseason as the starter, Ridder has a chance to be the (emphasis his) breakout quarterback of 2023.”
It’s like someone has finally paid attention to what the Falcons have done to surround Ridder with talent. Knox doesn’t even mention one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
Despite an unfounded rumor that the Falcons kicked the tires on a Trey Lance deal, Atlanta has done nothing but back Ridder this offseason.
The pieces are in place for Ridder to be a breakout star in 2023, and if it happens, Falcons’ fans should remember the name Kristopher Knox for being one of the first on the bandwagon.
