FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Following the Atlanta Falcons' disappointing 9-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 15, head coach Arthur Smith addressed the quarterback situation during his Monday afternoon press conference. While Smith did not announce a definitive starter for Week 16, he revealed that the decision would be between Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke.

During the press conference, Smith stated that he had already discussed the matter with both quarterbacks before addressing the media, but emphasized that no final decision had been made. "We're still working through that," Smith said, highlighting the need to make the best decision for the team moving forward.

When asked about the possibility of relying on Logan Woodside or acquiring a quarterback outside of the current roster, Smith firmly rejected both options, confirming that the decision would ultimately come down to Ridder and Heinicke.

The Falcons turned to Heinicke in the weeks leading up to their Week 11 bye, as starting quarterback Ridder suffered a hamstring injury in their Week 10 loss to the Cardinals. Initially, the coaching staff did not want to engage in a quarterback rotation, opting to stick with Ridder after the bye week to finish out the season. However, Smith's stance seemed to change following the loss to the Panthers, as he stated that "nothing is set in stone."

Reflecting on Ridder's performance in Charlotte, Smith acknowledged the quarterback's 12-for-20 completion rate, 152 passing yards, and one touchdown. However, Smith also emphasized the pivotal moment that altered the game's outcome—a late-game interception by Ridder that set up the Panthers' game-winning drive. Ridder, in retrospect, admitted to trying "to do too much" and acknowledged that he should have either thrown the ball away or picked up a yard to extend the drive.

Post-game analysis from Scott Bair delved into Ridder's costly mistakes throughout the season. With a total of 10 interceptions and 11 fumbles, including five turnovers in the red zone, Ridder's errors have significantly impacted the team's performance. Moreover, Ridder has turned the ball over twice inside the Falcons' 20-yard line this season, exacerbating his turnovers in critical situations.

The Falcons, currently standing at a pivotal juncture, will carefully consider their options for Week 16 as they aim to bounce back from their recent loss. With Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke in contention, the coaching staff will assess each quarterback's capabilities and make a decision that maximizes the team's chances of success in their upcoming match.

As the clock ticks towards the next game, the Atlanta Falcons and their fans eagerly await the announcement of their starting quarterback for Week 16, with hopes of turning their fortunes around and striving for a victory.

(Note: This article is based on the information provided by Arthur Smith during his press conference following the Falcons' Week 15 loss to the Carolina Panthers.)