After getting out to a 2-1 start to begin the 2023 NFL season, Desmond Ridder and the Falcons were embarrassed by the Jaguars in London on Sunday. It was a poor showing.
Although Atlanta gained nearly as many yards as Jacksonville, it struggled to convert on third downs and could not get anything going through the air. Ridder, in his first full year as the starting quarterback, finished 19-of-31 for just 191 yards and one touchdown — with back-to-back interceptions during the second quarter.
One of his two picks went back the other way for six.
Part of the offensive struggles struggles were Ridder’s his fault. The Jaguars had a field day with the Falcons’ offensive line and sacked him four times throughout the game.
However, Ridder must be held responsible for his mistakes. He did not play well and frustrations were high, even amongst his teammates.
Shortly after the interception returned for a touchdown, Atlanta went three-and-out. Ridder missed Mack Hollins on an open post route that would have likely reached the line to gain on third down.
The 30-year-old wide receiver was fed up.
Desmond Ridder was stiffed by Mack Hollins.
Ridder went over to Hollins on the sideline and offered a low-five as something of an olive branch. It was as if to say “my bad.” The gesture did not go over well.
Hollins not only rejected the low-five, he got up angrily in his quarterback’s face. Ridder was quick to jump back and get the heck out of dodge.
Hollins’ frustrations were likely shared by the rest of Atlanta’s offense. He was the first and only one to make it abundantly clear that Ridder was not off of the hook. The Falcons have been very good at times and very bad in others. They will need to get their chemistry together and play as a cohesive unit if they want to stay competitive in the NFC South!