As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare to face off against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night, the spotlight is firmly fixed on Desmond Ridder. The talented quarterback, now wearing Raiders colors, is expected to make his first start for the team amid a flurry of career turns and transitions that have brought him to this significant moment.
Ridder's NFL Journey
Desmond Ridder's trek through the NFL landscape began with the Falcons, who drafted him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In Atlanta, Ridder was given the opportunity to prove his mettle on the field. Over two seasons, he started 17 games, compiling a record of 8-9. His performance last season witnessed him taking charge in 13 games, during which he led the team to a 6-7 record.
As the offseason rolled around, Ridder found himself at a crossroads when the Falcons signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and drafted promising young talent Michael Penix Jr. This duo's arrival spelled an end to Ridder's tenure in Atlanta. In March, Ridder was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, a move that seemed promising but concluded abruptly when he was released at the end of training camp.
A New Chapter in Las Vegas
The Raiders seized the opportunity to add Ridder to their roster, signing him off the Cardinals' practice unit in late October. While still awaiting his first start in the silver and black, Ridder has appeared in four games. His contributions thus far include completing 28 of his 44 pass attempts, resulting in a 63.6% completion rate and accumulating 239 yards with one touchdown.
Ridder's journey is not just a tale of abrupt team transitions but also one of resilience and persistence. Now, at 25 years old and entering his third NFL season, he is presented with a golden opportunity to showcase his talent in a starting role once again.
Raiders' Current Quarterback Situation
The immediate need for Ridder's leadership comes as Aidan O'Connell, another key figure in the Raiders' quarterback lineup, is listed as questionable due to a knee injury. This development clears the path for Ridder to take charge on the field and lead the Raiders against a familiar opponent in the Falcons.
Ridder’s familiarity with the Falcons could serve as an advantage, given his previous tenure with them. His knowledge of their playstyle and strategies might offer the Raiders an edge in this matchup. However, the Falcons' investment in experienced Kirk Cousins and rookie Michael Penix Jr. could pose a formidable challenge.
With Ridder at the helm, the Raiders are poised to explore new dynamics in their offensive play, banking on his understanding of both his new team and his former teammates in Atlanta.
Anticipation Builds
The anticipation surrounding Ridder's start is palpable both within the Raiders' camp and among its fan base. They will be eager to see if Ridder can capitalize on his familiarity with the Falcons and turn it into a successful outing for the Raiders. This matchup not only represents a battleground for Ridder's skills but is also a testament to his resilience and determination to thrive under challenging circumstances.
As kick-off approaches, all eyes will be on Ridder, not just to see if he can navigate the Raiders to victory over the Falcons but also to gauge if this start will mark the beginning of a steady rise in his NFL career.