Las Vegas Raiders Welcome Ridder for Monday Night Clash
Excitement stirs in Las Vegas as the Raiders prepare to host the Atlanta Falcons on a marquee Monday night game. All eyes will be on Desmond Ridder, who is poised to make his debut start for the Raiders. His journey into this starting role is as riveting as the game promises to be.
Ridder, 25, has had a whirlwind NFL journey thus far. Drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Ridder’s tenure in Atlanta involved a series of ups and downs over a season and a half. During his time with the Falcons, Ridder started 17 games, achieving a closely contested record of 8-9. Last season alone, Ridder was fielded in 13 games, navigating the Falcons to a 6-7 record as the starting quarterback.
The offseason saw the Falcons shake up their quarterback lineup, bringing in veteran Kirk Cousins and drafting Michael Penix Jr., moves that essentially changed the tide for Ridder. This strategic reshuffling prompted Ridder’s trade to the Arizona Cardinals in March. However, his stint with the Cardinals was brief as he was released at the end of their training camp, leaving him in search of a new NFL home.
The Raiders seized the opportunity, signing Ridder off the Cardinals' practice squad in late October. Since joining the Raiders, Ridder has appeared in four games, mainly in a backup capacity, completing 28 of his 44 pass attempts. While he has yet to start a game for Las Vegas, his completion rate stands at a respectable 63.6%, amassing 239 yards and marking one touchdown.
Ridder’s chance to command the huddle comes at a time of necessity and opportunity for the Raiders. With Aidan O’Connell listed as questionable due to a knee injury, Ridder’s elevation to the starting quarterback completes a unique chapter in his NFL odyssey, as he steps in to help steer the Raiders’ offensive execution.
Entering his third year in the league, Ridder faces an intriguing challenge. Anticipations are high as he takes on his former team, now steered by Cousins and the promising talent of Penix Jr. For Ridder, the game represents both a personal and professional defining moment, presenting a platform to showcase his growth and adaptability since entering the league.
As the night approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Ridder will respond under the bright lights of Monday night football. The contest between the Raiders and the Falcons not only promises thrilling gameplay but also adds another intriguing layer to Ridder’s narrative—a young quarterback endeavoring to etch his name into the competitive tapestry of the NFL.