3. Desmond Ridder, Falcons
In that same game against Young and the Panthers, second-year pro Desmond Ridder did not have to do much; very similar to his four starts last season. The Falcons stuck with what worked in 2022, running the ball constantly and running it well.
Atlanta's day was highlighted by Tyler Allgeier running 15 times for 75 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Bijan Robinson, in his NFL debut, rushed 10 times for 56 yards and caught six passes for 27 yards and a score.
Ridder only threw the ball 18 times, but completed 15 of those attempts for 115 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. Ridder played turnover-free football and managed the game well en route to a 24-10 victory.
The one qualm fans will have with Ridder and the offense is that Drake London was targeted just once and had zero receptions. Meanwhile, Kyle Pitts continues to be under-utilized, catching two of his three targets. The Falcons have weapons to be used in the passing game, but simply don't do so.
Will they continue to let their talent go to waste in that area? Next week, the Falcons host the Packers and Ridder will have a chance to improve to 2-0 against a Packers team that saw Jordan Love explode in his Week 1 start against the Bears.