NFL coaching, broadcasting, and video game legend John Madden is credited with saying the now-famous proverb, “If you have two quarterbacks, you actually have none.” According to what we’ve seen this season, Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is not a member of the Church of Madden.
Arthur Smith and the Falcons have had a revolving door at quarterback all season, moving back and forth between Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke with unusual frequency due to injuries, bad play, Smith’s general hesitation, or whatever the reason may be. Regardless of why Smith can’t seem to decide on a week-to-week starting quarterback, the uninspired pair of Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke has combined to produce as a bottom-ten starting quarterback in the NFL. And now, with the team facing a must-win game against the New Orleans Saints in Week 18, Smith is forced to select one of his two quarterbacks, but an ankle injury to Heinicke may force his hand.
“#Falcons coach Arthur Smith says QB Taylor Heinicke will do everything he can to play despite a left-ankle injury.” They expect to find out by Friday and have Desmond Ridder ready in case.” (With thanks to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com)
Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder have combined for 3,191 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions this season, which I’m guessing is about as bad as you expected. There is simply no good solution for the Falcons anywhere you look. Heinicke seemed completely outclassed against Chicago last weekend. Ridder had thrown one of the worst interceptions of the season just a week before in a heartbreaking loss to Carolina.
Even if Atlanta wins their final game of the season against New Orleans, they’ll still need Carolina to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to make the playoffs.
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