Indianapolis Colts to face a new quarterback against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Indianapolis Colts will not face the Atlanta Falcons’ regular starting quarterback on Christmas Eve.
According to reports, the Atlanta Falcons will bench starting quarterback Desmond Ridder this week against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Atlanta Falcons will start Taylor Heinicke at quarterback against Indianapolis, benching second-year QB Desmond Ridder a second time and perhaps ending his tenure as starter in Atlanta.https://t.co/kQxcnsyBou
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) December 19, 2023
“The Atlanta Falcons will start Taylor Heinicke at quarterback against Indianapolis, benching second-year QB Desmond Ridder for the second time and possibly ending his tenure as starter in Atlanta,” Falcons beat reporter Josh Kendall wrote on X.
The seasoned Heinicke poses a greater threat to the Colts’ chances of winning in Atlanta on Christmas Eve than Ridder. While Ridder’s legs may affect a defense to some extent (5 running touchdowns in 2023), he’s also significantly more prone to errant passes and mistakes, tossing 10 TDs/10 INTs and fumbling 11 times this year.
For those who choose to remember, Heinicke won in 2022 as a member of the Washington Commanders against the Colts. However, this is a completely different team and Heinicke will be facing off against one of the toughest defensive fronts in the NFL.
The Falcons are also tied for ninth in the NFL in sacks allowed (36), while the Colts are tied for third in the league in sacks made as a defense (46). Look for coordinator Gus Bradley and the tough Colts’ defensive trenches to get pressure on the Falcons and avenge last year’s loss to Heinicke.
While Heinicke is a pure passer and takes pretty good care of the football, he’s also leading a struggling Atlanta team that just lost to the league’s doormat, the Carolina Panthers. However, they still have young and talented playmakers like wide receiver Drake London, tight ends Kyle Pitts/Jonnu Smith, and rookie running back Bijan Robinson. All of these names will look to help propel head coach Arthur Smith’s squad to a much-needed home win and repel the Colts.
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