Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
The Atlanta Falcons drafted Desmond Reed with a third-round pick, but he looked worthy of being a first-round pick in Monday’s preseason game against the New York Jets.
Although Reed was erratic on a 10-for-22 pass in his first NFL game against the Detroit Lions , but the quarterback who helped the Cincinnati Bears become the first five-man team to make the college football playoffs made noticeable strides in his second game.
Ridder commanded two drives that ended in field goals, going 7 for 7 in Game 1 68 yards in the second pass, one and more low field throws together. If the penalty doesn’t break, the second kickoff could end in a touchdown.
Overall, the rookie hit 10 times – 13 for 143 yards while throwing at some screens, pitches and threading mixed use.
His performance received positive reviews on social media:
NFL@NFL
hang there and provide the seeds. @desmondridder
📺: #ATLvsNYJ on ESPN
📱 : at NFL+ https://t.co/3fttuL9BM4 pic.twitter.com/q3xC3D306o NFL @NFLRidder gave @AtlantaFalcons a 2 minute workout.
📺: #ATLvsNYJ on ESPN
📱: Live on NFL+ https://t.co/3fttuL9BM4 pic.twitter.com /HBYwZZlJke William McFadden @willmcfadden
Wow, Desmond Ridder can spin it
Marcus Greaves @MarcusGreaves_ Thought I was jumping on the Desmond Ridder bandwagon! The lads can play! !
Tori McElhaney @tori_mcelhaney
Desmond Ridder’s 1) timing and 2) decision making in this drive looked sharp.
William McFadden@willmcfadden
The best thing about Desmond Ridder is still his decisiveness. For better or worse, he was determined to pull the trigger.
Kelly Price @thekellyprice
Desmond Ridder Hive Hungry pic.twitter.com/QfeJYx4D4S
Tori McElhaney @tori_mcelhaney
Heard a few “oh”s in the press box, Ridder threading the needle to Firkser for a gain of 17 yards.
SportsTalkATL.com @SportsTalkATL
Not sure who will win MVP this year: Marcus Mariota or Desmond Ridder?
Mike Kennedy @MikeKennedyNFL
This is probably the most impressive drive by a preseason QB. Desmond Ridder keeps coming off the court.
7/7 68 yards. Shameful penalty that prevented them from going to EZ.
Alan Stoke @allenstrk
Ridder is hitting his catcher in stride. That’s what makes these throws even more impressive. You can see the speed and precision of these throws. The receiver doesn’t need to make much adjustment to catch the ball and get the YAC.
alcoholic@alcoholic
Ridder is throwing darts tonight, hello boy
The Falcons have named Marcus Mariota as starter, and the Oregon product starts Monday’s game And tied Olamid Zackhorse for a touchdown. However, Mariota is a familiar name with plenty of NFL experience that has put Reed in the spotlight during the preseason.
Atlanta probably won’t miss if Monday’s performance is any indication, it’s a beat if it requires him to play during the regular season .
