In a season filled with ups and downs, the Atlanta Falcons are once again making a change at the quarterback position. Head coach Arthur Smith revealed on Wednesday that Taylor Heinicke will take the reins and start for the remainder of the season, marking the team's third quarterback change.

The decision comes after a tumultuous season for the Falcons, who have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position. Initially, the team had pinned their hopes on rookie Desmond Ridder, a 2022 third-round pick. However, Ridder's performances failed to meet expectations, prompting the coaching staff to make a change.

During the first eight games of the season, Ridder completed 65.4% of his passes, averaging 7.1 yards per attempt. However, he threw only six touchdowns and had six interceptions, contributing to the team's .500 4-4 record during that stretch. Ridder's struggles ultimately led to his benching in the second half of the Falcons' last game.

Coach Smith acknowledged the original plan was for Ridder to finish out the season, but the team needed to adapt and make a decision based on their current situation. Smith stated, "Right now, we feel that Taylor gives us our best chance. We don't want to keep switching quarterbacks week-to-week or half-to-half."

The Falcons' decision to start Heinicke comes as a surprise, as the team opted not to pursue other available quarterbacks, including free agent Lamar Jackson. This offseason, the Falcons were adamant that Ridder was their chosen successor. However, the team's recent struggles prompted a reassessment of their quarterback situation.

Heinicke will have big shoes to fill as he steps into the starting role. Falcons fans will be watching closely to see if the change brings about positive results and injects some much-needed consistency into the team's offense. With the season entering a crucial stretch, the Falcons are hoping that this quarterback switch will provide the spark they need to turn their fortunes around.

It remains to be seen how Heinicke will fare as the Falcons' starting quarterback, but one thing is certain - changes are afoot in Atlanta as they seek stability at the position. Fans will eagerly await the next chapter of this roller-coaster season for the Falcons and see if Heinicke can provide the boost needed for a strong finish.