Desmond Ridder Prepares for First Raiders Start Against Falcons
The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for an exciting Monday night showdown as they welcome the Atlanta Falcons. All eyes will be on quarterback Desmond Ridder, who is set to make his first start for the Raiders. This marks a significant moment in Ridder’s career, as he faces the team that originally drafted him in the 2022 NFL Draft.
A Journey of Transition
Drafted in the third round by the Falcons, Ridder managed to leave a notable impression during his time in Atlanta. Over the course of 17 starts, he compiled a record of 8-9, showcasing flashes of potential despite some inconsistency. Last season, Ridder entered the field for 13 games, finishing with a 6-7 record as the Falcons continued to search for stability at the quarterback position.
In the offseason, Atlanta sought to shake things up further in their quarterback room, bringing aboard veteran Kirk Cousins and selecting Michael Penix Jr. in the draft. Ridder found himself on the move, traded to the Arizona Cardinals in March. However, his stint in Arizona was short-lived; after failing to secure a spot beyond the training camp, he was released by the Cardinals.
An Opportunity in Las Vegas
The Raiders were able to see potential where others might have overlooked it. Signing Ridder off the Cardinals' practice squad in late October, Las Vegas has given the young quarterback a fresh start and a new stage to prove his mettle. To date, Ridder has appeared in four games for the Raiders, though he has yet to start. During these appearances, he completed 28 of 44 passes, achieving a completion rate of 63.6%. His tenure thus far has yielded 239 yards and one touchdown, numbers he is eager to build upon come Monday night.
The opportunity for Ridder’s starting debut has also been accelerated by circumstances on the Raiders' side, with Aidan O’Connell listed as questionable due to a knee injury. As Ridder steps into the spotlight, the stakes are high not just for him, but for a Las Vegas team looking to gain momentum.
Atlanta’s New Era
The Falcons, meanwhile, have decisively turned the page on the Ridder era, now leaning on the seasoned experience of Kirk Cousins and the promising potential of Michael Penix Jr. This season represents a fresh chapter for Atlanta as they look to solidify a cohesive and effective quarterback roster after several seasons of experimentation.
Facing their former quarterback adds an intriguing storyline to what promises to be a compelling matchup. The Falcons’ defense will have to contend with Ridder’s intimate knowledge of their playstyle, while Ridder will need to outwit familiar faces on the other side of the ball.
A Test of Growth and Resilience
At 25, Ridder finds himself at a pivotal point as he enters his third NFL year. This start serves as more than just a game; it represents Ridder's chance to demonstrate growth, resilience, and his potential to be a much-needed asset for the Raiders.
As fans and analysts look forward to Monday night’s contest, it's a testament to the often unpredictable journey that professional athletes endure. For Ridder, this game is an opportunity to redefine his trajectory and become a key player for the Raiders moving forward—not just for this season, but potentially for many more to come.
Both teams have considerable stakes riding on the game, making it an unmissable chapter in the unfolding stories of Ridder's evolving career and the Raiders' season. In the world of professional sports, anything can shift, often in the most unexpected ways, and Desmond Ridder will be looking to seize his moment on this prime-time stage.