The Atlanta Falcons’ playoff hopes took a major hit following Sunday’s 9-7 loss to the woeful Carolina Panthers. And that could lead to yet another change under center.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith said Monday that he has not decided whether Desmond Ridder or Taylor Heinicke will start at quarterback on Christmas Eve against the visiting Indianapolis Colts.
All is not lost in the playoff chase. Despite having lost two straight to division rivals Tampa Bay and Carolina, Atlanta is one game behind the Bucs and New Orleans Saints in the NFC South.
The Falcons (6-8) are also just one game back in the wild-card chase entering Sunday’s regular-season home finale against the Colts (8-6) before road trips to Chicago and New Orleans to close out the season.
“We had a great opportunity and unfortunately, we’ve lost two games in eight days,” Smith said. “And that’s on us. It’s not anyone’s fault but our own. But there’s still life out there and we have to rally and prepare against a really good Indianapolis team coming in here.”
Ridder was 12-of-20 passing for 152 yards, a touchdown and an interception against the Panthers. On the season, he has passed for 2,528 yards and 10 touchdowns. Ridder has also rushed for a team-high five touchdowns. But he’s thrown 10 interceptions, fumbled 11 times and committed five turnovers inside the red zone.
Heinicke started in a 31-28 loss to Minnesota and completed 21 of 38 passes for 268 yards with one touchdown and an interception. He also started in the 25-23 loss to Arizona in Week 10 and completed 8 of 15 passes for 55 yards and a score before being replaced by Ridder in the fourth quarter following a hamstring injury.
“Not final. But obviously still working through that,” Smith said when asked about the quarterback position. “I met with the quarterbacks just a minute ago before coming in here due to my media obligations and I’ll circle back with those guys because there’s some stuff we still need to work through.”
The plan was to start Ridder for the remainder of the season but after Sunday’s loss, Smith seems to be soul-searching for what’s best for his team over the next three games.
“There’s a lot of things — nothing’s ever set in stone,” Smith said. “You’ve got to evaluate and adapt. Just like the questions you’re asking about personnel and what you got to do, we got to find a way and we need to win.”
Like they have all season long, turnovers played a big role in Atlanta’s defeat in rainy Charlotte, N.C.
A fumble by Bijan Robinson deep in the Falcons’ own territory led to a Panthers field goal, which trimmed Atlanta’s lead to 7-6 early in the fourth quarter.
On Atlanta’s ensuing possession, the Falcons drove down to Carolina’s 18-yard line, but Ridder was picked off by Xavier Woods inside the 5-yard line, which halted the drive.
The Panthers then drove 90 yards in 17 plays for the game-winning field goal.
“I mean, obviously, that’s what we’re trying to eliminate,” Smith said. “And we’ve been trying all season. And I think what’s hurt us the most is clearly the turnovers.”
Atlanta has now lost four games this season by four points or fewer. And the Falcons’ defense has done its part, allowing 15 points or fewer in three of the last four games.
–Field Level Media
