Falcons Trail Saints at Halftime in Desmond Ridder’s Debut

The primary half of the Desmond Ridder period is within the books for the Atlanta Falcons, as they path the New Orleans Saints 14-3 in Caesars Superdome.

Coming into the day, all eyes have been on Ridder – and he had a comparatively quiet begin, ending the primary two quarters seven of 16 for 49 yards with no touchdowns or turnovers.

Atlanta’s struggles began earlier than the sport even started, as defensive coordinator Dean Pees was rushed to the hospital as a precaution after an on-field incident pre-game. Play-calling duties have been turned over to inside linebackers coach Frank Bush.

On the opening drive, the Falcons protection pressured the Saints right into a pair of third and 9’s however allowed conversions every time – together with a 19-yard landing from quarterback Andy Dalton to tight finish Juwan Johnson.

Fairly than beginning Ridder’s first sequence with consolation throws, Falcons coach and play caller Arthur Smith flipped the script, exhibiting immense confidence in Ridder to push the ball downfield, focusing on operating again Cordarrelle Patterson down the sideline. The go fell incomplete, and the drive led to a three-and-out after a brief run and incomplete go.

New Orleans rapidly responded, with Dalton discovering receiver Rashid Shaheed for a 68-yard rating after security Richie Grant was twisted round and could not make a play on the ball. Inside seven minutes, the Saints pulled out to a 14-0 lead.

It was the Saints’ first-time scoring touchdowns on their opening two drives since Christmas two years in the past towards the Minnesota Vikings, ending a 32-game drought.

Ridder’s second drive was aided by a defensive go interference name, placing Atlanta’s offense close to midfield, however one other incomplete deep go, quick run by Patterson and overthrown go beneath introduced the drive to a detailed.

The Falcons protection, desperately in want of a cease, rose to the event. Defensive deal with Grady Jarrett logged a deal with for loss and sack, with outdoors linebacker Lorenzo Carter additionally getting residence on Dalton alongside Jarrett.

Working with a semblance of momentum for the primary time all day, Ridder discovered a rhythm on his third drive. He related with tight finish MyCole Pruitt for six yards on a display screen go earlier than hitting rookie receiver Drake London for 12 over the center on third and 6.

London made two extra catches on the drive, together with a stellar one-handed seize because the Falcons marched into the redzone. Nevertheless, the possession stalled contained in the Saints’ 10-yard line, as a seven-yard run from Patterson was adopted by an incomplete go and sack. Younghoe Koo’s discipline aim put Atlanta on the board, trailing 14-3 early within the second quarter.

The Saints offense rolled deep into Falcons territory, dealing with a third and 1 from the Atlanta 15 – however operating again David Johnson fumbled, and Carter coming away with the ball for Atlanta.

However the Falcons could not capitalize, going three-and-out and punting it away after dodging a bullet on the defensive finish.

Atlanta’s protection as soon as once more stood sturdy, permitting a primary down however settling in to drive a New Orleans punt, as cornerback Dee Alford broke up a go meant for Saints receiver Jarvis Landry on third and seven.

Beginning pinned by itself aim line, Atlanta went to work with 3:16 on the clock and all 3 times – and turned to its energy: the operating recreation. Rookie tailback Tyler Allgeier took 4 carries for 26 yards, placing the Falcons out throughout their very own 25-yard line.

Allgeier continued to shine, choosing up 15 yards on third and 13 with a minute to play. After just a few quick passes from Ridder saved the ball transferring, Atlanta’s drive stalled close to midfield, with the rookie quarterback unable to attach on his ultimate two passes.

The Falcons will begin the second half with the ball, seeking to claw their approach again into what they view as a must-win recreation to have any hope at successful the NFC South.

You may observe Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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