The Atlanta Falcons are turning to rookie Desmond Riddler to start at quarterback as they get set to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 15 action, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
Riddler, who was the second quarterback taken in this year’s NFL Draft, takes over for veteran Marcus Mariota who has been benched, bringing to end his longest run as a starter since back in 2018.
The Falcons currently rank 31st in passing in the NFL, and have a 5-8 record thus far. Despite the lowly record, they remain only 1 1/2 games back from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their division, giving them a realistic shot at the division, and thus a playoff spot.
Ridder threw for 3,334 yards and 30 touchdowns to fuel Cincinnati in becoming the first Group of Five school to make it to the College Football Playoff last season.
