Falcons’ Smith faces QB decision after another 7-10 finish
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) fumbles the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White (45) makes the recovery during the first half of an NFL football game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/John Bazemore]
ATLANTA (AP) — Second-year coach Arthur Smith believes this season’s 7-10 finish shows much more reason for hope than last year’s identical record. Three rookie playmakers on offense, quarterback Desmond Ridder, running back Tyler Allgeier and wide receiver Drake London, enjoyed strong finishes to the season and could be foundation players to build around. Smith says it’s too early to say if Ridder won the starting job in 2023 with his four-game audition as the starter to close this season. The Falcons won their last two games but it was too late to avoid the team’s fifth consecutive losing season.
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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) makes a catch against Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum (27) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/John Bazemore
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/John Bazemore