The very best teams in the NFL teams are able to generate explosive plays on a regular basis. For example, the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles were two of the league’s most prolific offenses last season and they met in the Super Bowl.
The Atlanta Falcons offense has lacked explosion in recent years. In 2022, quarterback Marcus Mariota ranked 32nd in what Pro Football Focus defines as “big-time throws.” Desmond Ridder ranked 42nd in the same category, although he only appeared in four games.
As Ridder enters his first full season as the Falcons starting quarterback, he’s expecting the offense to take a step forward in terms of explosive plays.
“Obviously, we want to be the most explosive we can be,” said Ridder following Wednesday’s practice. “However that comes, whether run, pass, play action, movement, we just want to be explosive. We want to create plays downfield and keep the ball moving forward.”
Ridder explained how he can create big plays by simply delivering the ball on time.
“It makes my job a ton of a lot easier. All I got to do is throw a two to three-yard route, or even at the line of scrimmage, they can go and make it a 15, 20-yard explosive play,” said Ridder. “For me, just to be able to get the ball in their hands, let our playmakers go make play, is huge.”
The 2023 Falcons should be anything but boring this season. Watch Ridder’s full press conference below!