Ridder to Start for Raiders Against Former Team Falcons
As Monday night approaches, all eyes in Las Vegas will be on Desmond Ridder as he prepares to lead the Raiders into battle against his former team, the Atlanta Falcons. It marks a significant turning point in Ridder's career, as he is expected to make his first start for the Raiders after a year marked by transitions and adjustments.
Ridder's Journey: From Atlanta to Las Vegas
Originally drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Ridder's time in Atlanta was as tumultuous as it was promising. During his stint with the Falcons, Ridder started 17 games, ending with a record of 8-9. His performance last season showed glimpses of potential, starting 13 games with a 6-7 record, which perhaps laid the groundwork for further development. However, the winds of change blew through the Falcons' lineup as the team signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and drafted Michael Penix Jr. during the offseason.
This shift in team dynamics saw Ridder traded to the Arizona Cardinals in March—an opportunity that did not last long. Released at the close of training camp, Ridder found himself in limbo until the Raiders stepped in. In late October, they signed him from the Cardinals' practice unit as they sought to bolster their quarterback options.
Stepping into the Spotlight
At 25 years of age, Ridder is entering his third NFL season with a renewed sense of purpose and an opportunity to chart a new course in Las Vegas. Although he has appeared in four games for the Raiders, he hasn't yet been given the chance to start. His statistics in those appearances include completing 28 of 44 passes—an encouraging 63.6% completion rate—amassing 239 yards and one touchdown. These numbers, while modest, serve as a foundation upon which Ridder can build.
Monday night presents a unique chance for Ridder, especially given the uncertain status of Aidan O'Connell, who is listed as questionable due to a knee injury. This scenario provides a timely opening for Ridder, who will be keen to prove himself amidst the swirling narratives surrounding his past with the Falcons, and current status with the Raiders.
A New Chapter Against an Old Foe
As Ridder prepares to face the Falcons, the storyline becomes even more compelling given his history with the team. Atlanta's decision to move forward with Cousins and Penix represents both a personal challenge and a professional opportunity for Ridder. It presents a chance to show how he has evolved and adapted, using his experiences and learnings from Atlanta and Arizona to make an impact at Allegiant Stadium.
The Falcons, now with Cousins and the newly drafted Penix Jr. in their quarterback arsenal, are themselves seeking to solidify their standing in the league. Ridder’s departure has undoubtedly reshaped their team strategy, but the effects of letting a former starter face them as a peer could be telling.
Anticipation for Monday Night
The anticipation for the Monday night matchup extends beyond the typical enthusiasm for a primetime game. It’s about more than just the Raiders versus the Falcons; it's about redemption, new beginnings, and the shifting allegiances of football's intricate landscape. For Desmond Ridder, it could mark the reinstatement of his capabilities and potential as a leading quarterback in the league.
This contest against his previous team signifies a critical juncture in his career—an opportunity to reclaim and redefine his narrative. As the Raiders and Falcons prepare to clash, Ridder's performance will undoubtedly be a focal point not just for fans and analysts, but for Ridder himself as he aims to prove he is a franchise quarterback capable of steering the Raiders to glory.