Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts: New quarterback to be faced
According to reports, the Atlanta Falcons will start quarterback Desmond Ridder instead of him this week when they play the Indianapolis Colts.
The statement “The Atlanta Falcons will start Taylor Heinicke at quarterback against Indianapolis, benching second-year QB Desmond Ridder a second time and possibly ending his tenure as starter in Atlanta” was posted on X by Josh Kendall, the beat writer for The Athletic about the Falcons.
Heinicke, an experienced opponent, poses a greater threat to the Colts’ chances of winning on Christmas Eve in Atlanta than Ridder does. Although Ridder’s legs can cause some damage to a defense (5 rushing touchdowns in 2023), he is far more prone to mishandled passes and turnovers—he threw 10 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and 11 fumbles this season.
Heinicke defeated the Colts in 2022 while playing for the Washington Commanders, for those who care to recall. Heinicke will be going up against one of the NFL’s toughest defensive fronts, but this is a whole different team.
In terms of sacks made as a defense (46), the Colts are tied for third in the NFL, while the Falcons are tied for ninth in terms of sacks allowed (36). To put pressure on the Falcons and exact revenge for last year’s loss to Heinicke, look for coordinator Gus Bradley and the resilient Colts defensive line.
Heinicke leads a struggling Atlanta team that recently suffered a loss to the league’s bottom team, the Carolina Panthers, despite being a pure passer and decent football manager. Still, they have young, gifted playmakers in tight ends Jonnu Smith and Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London, and rookie running back Bijan Robinson. All of these players will try to help Arthur Smith’s team defeat the Colts and secure a much-needed home victory.
Ultimately, the Colts and their resurgent defense have a fantastic opportunity to capitalize on their recent big win over the Pittsburgh Steelers to secure another significant victory as their arduous playoff journey draws closer to completion.
