As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare to take on the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night, all eyes will be on an intriguing development at quarterback for the Raiders. Desmond Ridder, who has become something of a journeyman quarterback despite being just 25 years old and entering his third NFL year, is set to start for Las Vegas, a team he's only recently joined.
Ridder’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward, marking a new chapter in a career that began with promise when he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. With expectations high, Ridder was expected to carve out a significant role in Atlanta. Over his tenure with the Falcons, he started in 17 games, managing to notch an 8-9 record, which included a 6-7 record in his 13 starts last season. Despite these efforts, the Falcons opted to go in a different direction during the offseason, a decision that would significantly impact Ridder’s path.
The arrival of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and the promising rookie Michael Penix Jr., who was drafted in the offseason, marked the end of Ridder’s starting ambitions with the Falcons. The team’s decision to secure two key players at his position indicated a move towards fostering a blend of experience and new potential behind center. As a result, Ridder found himself traded to the Arizona Cardinals in March, seeking to rejuvenate his career under new circumstances.
However, Ridder’s stint with the Cardinals was short-lived, as he was released at the end of training camp. The early exit from Arizona left him in a precarious situation, highlighting the often precarious nature of NFL careers. Yet, fortune favored the young quarterback when the Raiders signed him off the Cardinals' practice unit in late October, paving the way for his latest opportunity to lead an NFL offense.
Until now, Ridder has been patiently awaiting his chance, appearing in four games for the Raiders in a relief capacity but not yet starting. In this limited role, he managed to complete 28 of 44 passes, resulting in a respectable 63.6% completion rate, amassing 239 yards and recording one touchdown. This performance, albeit on a limited scale, demonstrates Ridder's potential to contribute significantly when given the opportunity to start.
The backdrop to Ridder’s first start for the Raiders is the uncertainty surrounding Aidan O’Connell, who is listed as questionable due to a knee injury. This development has likely expedited Ridder's ascension to the starting role, with Monday night’s matchup providing him a chance to showcase his talents in front of a prime-time audience.
Ridder’s narrative adds a compelling subplot to the upcoming game against his former team, the Falcons. With Atlanta now relying on the leadership of Cousins and the untapped potential of Penix Jr., the team has embarked on a new chapter of its own. Ridder’s start brings an added layer of intrigue, as he faces the franchise that both launched his NFL career and ultimately moved on without him.
Observers of the league will undoubtedly watch closely as Ridder steps onto the field under the bright lights of Monday Night Football. The game not only marks a pivotal moment in Ridder’s career but also serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to navigate the turbulent waters of professional football. As he takes the field, Ridder does so with the poise and determination that has kept his NFL dreams alive, despite the twists and turns encountered along the way.
With the stakes high and the storylines intertwined, Monday night’s clash promises to be more than just a game of football. It’s a narrative of redemption, opportunity, and the continuous pursuit of excellence on one of the league’s biggest stages. The Las Vegas Raiders versus the Atlanta Falcons isn’t simply a match-up between two teams; it's a stage set for Desmond Ridder to redefine his journey in the NFL and potentially, his future in it.