FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - In a surprising turn of events, Falcons coach Arthur Smith announced on Monday that Desmond Ridder will take the reins as the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons for the remainder of the season. Smith expressed confidence in Ridder, believing that he gives the team the best chance to succeed.

Ridder had been benched for two games and one quarter following his lackluster performance during the Tennessee game, where he was replaced by Taylor Heinicke at halftime. However, Heinicke suffered a hamstring injury in Week 10 against Arizona, which led to Ridder entering the game in relief. With Heinicke's uncertain availability due to the injury, Logan Woodside is expected to be Ridder's backup for the upcoming game.

Reflecting on Ridder's time on the bench, Smith acknowledged the potential benefits of the quarterback's different vantage point. Watching Heinicke in action allowed Ridder to gain valuable insights into the offense and provided him with an opportunity to view the game from a coach's perspective. Smith expressed optimism that this experience will pay off for Ridder in the long run.

During his limited playing time this season, Ridder has completed 65.4% of his passes for 1,740 yards, with 6 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He has also rushed for four touchdowns. Despite these modest statistics, Ridder's confidence and desire to have the ball in his hands were evident during his appearance in the fourth quarter against Arizona.

In an interview with ESPN, Ridder spoke about how his time on the bench allowed him to reevaluate the offense and identify areas of improvement. He mentioned that visualizing plays during Heinicke's performances helped him gain a new perspective and improve his decision-making.

The decision to reinstate Ridder as the starting quarterback signals the Falcons' confidence in his abilities. While there were initial doubts surrounding the change, Smith believes that the reset will prove to be beneficial for Ridder. With the remainder of the season ahead, the Falcons are hopeful that their faith in Ridder will lead to improved performances and positive results.

As the Falcons prepare for their upcoming games, all eyes will be on Ridder as he takes on the mantle of leadership on the field. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this bold decision, hoping that Ridder's fresh perspective and renewed confidence will propel the Falcons to success in the rest of the season.