The Atlanta Falcons have been in a constant state of rebuild ever since their devastating Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots in 2017. Despite having a solid roster, a passionate fanbase, and an eager coaching staff, the team has struggled to find consistency. In recent seasons, however, there’s been an undeniable shift in energy. The defense is improving, the run game looks promising with young star Bijan Robinson, and head coach Arthur Smith has the team moving in a more focused direction. But there’s still one glaring issue that seems to be holding the Falcons back: the quarterback position.
The truth is, the Falcons are tantalizingly close to Super Bowl contention — but their quarterback situation could be the thing standing between them and true championship success. Here’s why the Falcons might be just one quarterback away from finally reaching the big stage once again.
The Talent Around the Quarterback: A Championship-Worthy Roster
Before diving into the quarterback dilemma, it’s important to acknowledge the strengths of the team that are already in place.
- Bijan Robinson: The rookie running back was drafted 8th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he’s quickly proven to be one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the league. With Robinson, the Falcons have a versatile, dual-threat player who can both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield. His explosive ability to change the game can take a lot of pressure off a quarterback, especially in key moments.
- The Offensive Line: Under Arthur Smith, the Falcons have made significant strides on the offensive line. Players like Chris Lindstrom and Jake Matthews anchor a solid line that can create holes for the run game and protect the quarterback. With good protection, even an average quarterback can thrive, but the Falcons need a QB who can fully capitalize on the time he’s given.
- Playmakers on the Outside: The addition of Drake London (a big-bodied receiver) and Kyle Pitts (arguably one of the best young tight ends in the league) gives the Falcons a dangerous set of pass catchers. While these players have yet to fully break out, their potential makes this offense one to watch — provided the quarterback can get them the ball.
- A Young, Hungry Defense: The Falcons’ defense, led by players like Grady Jarrett and A.J. Terrell, has shown flashes of brilliance. They’re aggressive and opportunistic, and in many ways, they’re the kind of defense that could win a Super Bowl if the offense is competent enough to support them.
When you look at the pieces Atlanta has in place, you can see that they’re not far from being an NFC contender. They’ve got a talented offensive line, an explosive rookie running back, solid receivers, and a defense that’s starting to make noise. But, unfortunately, the one thing they’re missing is a quarterback who can elevate this roster to the next level.
The Quarterback Dilemma: Desmond Ridder’s Development
Enter Desmond Ridder — the Falcons’ young quarterback who has been thrust into the starting role. Ridder, a third-round pick in 2022, showed flashes of promise during his rookie season, but he’s far from the finished product. He’s shown good poise in the pocket, decent mobility, and an ability to make some impressive throws. However, he has yet to demonstrate the consistency required to lead a team deep into the playoffs, let alone the Super Bowl.
Strengths:
- Mobility: Ridder is a capable runner who can extend plays with his legs. In a league where the best quarterbacks can move in and out of the pocket, Ridder’s mobility is an asset.
- Composure: He’s shown signs of being calm under pressure, especially in critical moments. In his first season as a starter, Ridder led the Falcons to key victories, proving he has the mentality to handle tough situations.
- Arm Strength: Ridder has a decent arm, capable of making throws down the field. However, this is where his inconsistency shows. His deep ball accuracy and timing have been hit or miss, and with receivers like London and Pitts, the Falcons need a QB who can consistently connect on those big plays.
Areas of Concern:
- Accuracy: Ridder has shown issues with his accuracy, especially on intermediate and deep throws. This has been a major point of concern as the Falcons need their quarterback to be precise, especially when facing some of the NFL’s best defenses.
- Decision-Making: While Ridder has displayed maturity, his decision-making at times can be questionable. Throwing into tight coverage or holding onto the ball too long has led to mistakes. In a high-pressure playoff game, those kinds of errors are costly.
- Development Curve: Ridder has a lot of potential, but there’s no guarantee that he’ll develop into the franchise QB the Falcons need. As a young quarterback, it may take time for him to reach the level of play required to lead a Super Bowl-caliber team.
The Big Question: Is Ridder the Long-Term Answer?
As of now, the jury is still out on Ridder. He has the tools to be a serviceable starter, but whether he can become the quarterback who elevates this team to Super Bowl contention remains uncertain. In a division like the NFC South, where the competition is wide open, the Falcons’ ceiling may very well be limited by Ridder’s performance.
The Missing Piece: A Star Quarterback
While Desmond Ridder has shown he can be a decent quarterback, the Falcons will likely need a top-tier QB to make that final push to the Super Bowl. If Ridder doesn’t develop into a more consistent passer, the team may find itself stuck at the middle of the NFC pack, unable to break through the likes of the 49ers, Eagles, or Cowboys in the postseason.
There are several ways the Falcons could go about acquiring a franchise quarterback. They could make a trade for a veteran, or look to the draft for a future superstar. If Atlanta is able to bring in a signal-caller with the ability to make the big throws in clutch moments — someone with elite accuracy, decision-making, and composure — this roster has everything it needs to make a deep run.
Players like Lamar Jackson, Aaron Rodgers, or even a high draft pick like Caleb Williams could make an immediate impact, turning this young, talented roster into a Super Bowl contender. With Arthur Smith’s offense and a defense that’s growing in confidence, adding a true playmaking quarterback could be the final puzzle piece.
Conclusion: One Quarterback Away
The Atlanta Falcons have the potential to become a powerhouse in the NFC. With a strong defense, a game-changing running back, dynamic playmakers on offense, and a young, hungry coach in Arthur Smith, this team is not far from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender. However, the quarterback position remains the most critical factor in determining whether this team can reach its full potential.
If Desmond Ridder can develop into a more consistent and effective passer, the Falcons’ future is bright. But if not, it’s clear that Atlanta is just one quarterback away from finally ending their Super Bowl drought and becoming a true championship contender. With the right QB under center, the Falcons could be poised to dominate the NFC for years to come.
