In a twist of fate that only professional sports can offer, Desmond Ridder is set to make his first start for the Las Vegas Raiders against his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, under the bright lights of Monday Night Football. This matchup carries a unique narrative, given Ridder's history with the Falcons and his circuitous journey to Las Vegas.
The Journey to Las Vegas
Ridder, a quarterback once touted as a promising talent, was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. During his tenure with the Falcons, Ridder displayed flashes of brilliance, starting 17 games and posting a record of 8-9. His sophomore season saw him leading the team in 13 starts, finishing with a 6-7 record. Despite the potential, the Falcons sought a different direction, bringing in veteran Kirk Cousins and drafting hot prospect Michael Penix Jr. in the offseason.
The shake-up in Atlanta precipitated Ridder's move to the Arizona Cardinals, where he was traded in March. However, his time in Arizona was brief, as he was released at the end of training camp. In an unexpected turn, the Raiders seized the opportunity to bolster their quarterback depth, signing Ridder off the Cardinals' practice squad in late October.
Preparing for His Raider Debut
At 25 years old, Ridder enters his third NFL season with a fresh but challenging opportunity. His tenure with the Raiders has so far been limited to appearances in four games, none as a starter. Nonetheless, during this period, he has demonstrated competence, completing 63.6% of his passes, with a respectable 239 passing yards and one touchdown.
The upcoming match against the Falcons presents not just a test of skills but also a test of character for Ridder. Aidan O'Connell, initially the assumed starter, is listed as questionable due to a knee injury, paving the way for Ridder's opportunity to lead the Raiders from the outset.
Facing His Former Team
This reunion with the Falcons offers Ridder a chance to measure his growth and current form against the team that drafted him. The Falcons' quarterback room has seen significant changes, with Ridder's replacements, Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr., now at the helm. While the Falcons have strategically moved forward with Cousins, known for his consistency and veteran savvy, Penix presents the allure of young, untapped potential.
For the Raiders, Ridder's familiarity with the Falcons' setup could offer an advantageous edge. With insights from his time in Atlanta, he might be uniquely positioned to exploit any soft spots he perceives in their current defense.
A Long-Awaited Opportunity
This game offers Ridder more than just a chance to face his old team—it is an opportunity to solidify his position in the Raiders' lineup and make his mark in the NFL. At a pivotal point in his career, Ridder’s performance on Monday night could reshape his narrative from a promising talent in search of a foothold to a credible NFL starter.
As both teams prepare to clash, Ridder's journey encapsulates the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the professional sports world, where perseverance and timing can transform careers. This Monday night, Las Vegas will be more than just the setting for an NFL game; it will set the stage for Ridder's potential resurgence and perhaps a defining moment in the Raiders' season.