If there was any doubt about Desmond Ridder’s future as the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback, Raheem Morris put it to rest on Tuesday.
The new head coach spoke candidly at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis about Ridder’s play last season. He didn’t specifically mention Ridder by name. He didn’t have to.
“If we had better quarterback play last year in Atlanta, I might not be standing here,” Morris told reporters.
Morris was hired this offseason to replace Arthur Smith, whose Falcons lost 10 games in each of his three seasons as head coach. To Morris’ point, Smith might still have a job had Ridder played better last season. But he didn’t, and the Falcons are in search of a new quarterback.
Morris made his statement in the context of the talent that does have a future with the Falcons. He credited the team’s front office past and present, including general manager Terry Fontenot, with acquiring talent that he believes gives the Falcons a chance to compete next season. If they find a quarterback, that is.
“Now, it’s time to implement a couple new things, go out there and find out who’s gonna be the triggerman for us and put ourselves in a position to win,” Morris said. “I’m not afraid to say that we have the ability, and we’re capable of going out there to win next year. If we do some of the right things, make the right moves, we can do that.
