Desmond Ridder Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Falcons QB Desmond Ridder fights for job with 56-yard pass

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 1/7/24

Atlanta quarterback Desmond Ridder probably knows his future with the Falcons is up in the air, meaning he must step up in a crucial matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Thus far, he's off to a good start.

On the Falcons' third play of the game, the second-year QB completed a 56-yard pass to wide receiver Scotty Miller. Four plays later, he scrambled and connected with tight end Jonnu Smith for a 15-yard TD, giving Atlanta a 7-0 lead with 8:42 remaining in the first quarter.

Scotty Miller wide open down the sideline for 56 yards!

: #ATLvsNO on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/X0vcyHUoyR pic.twitter.com/gtIrjPaOaF
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024

Desmond Ridder connects with Jonnu Smith to give ATL an early lead #DirtyBirds

: #ATLvsNO on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/X0vcyHUoyR pic.twitter.com/b1V6fUGoUW
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024

Entering Week 18, Ridder has struggled, completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 2,545 yards, 10 TDs, 11 interceptions and a below-average 38.2 QBR. He was recently benched, but Taylor Heinicke has an ankle injury, giving Ridder another chance to start. The 24-year-old seems to be rebuilding his confidence by making some big plays against a division rival.

It could also help the Falcons (7-9) sneak into the playoffs. If it beats New Orleans (8-8) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) lose to the Carolina Panthers (2-14), Atlanta wins the NFC South.

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