Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank earlier declared that Desmond Ridder could be the team's main quarterback in the future, and the 23-year-old felt things are changing for him already.
One department that leveled up for him is his leadership style. He was not authoritative as a rookie, but things are different now, so he is starting to assert his style.
"Yeah, it feels a little different ... different in the sense that obviously, you know, now you have the confidence to say that you're the guy and being the guy," Ridder said, describing how he managed his teammates on the field.
This season, a heavier load is on the 2022 74th pick's shoulder after being handed the leadership role this summer.
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Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot also gave a vote of confidence for Ridder.
"We saw him handle some adversity and we saw him respond to it," Fontenot explained.
"So, we believe in the makeup and the maturity, and then now we get into the offseason and it's about improvement as opposed to the immediate result."
Kyle Pitts attests to Ridder's growth
Blank is judging Ridder from the outside looking in. How about those in the field?
Tight end Kyle Pitts feels the same. He believes that his quarterback's growth is rearing its head.
He said Ridder's leadership is not just about the calls he makes during plays but also as a motivator.
"He's been more vocal to the team and grabbing us up when our heads are maybe down," Pitts told the NFL Network.
"Kind of like those regular camp things, but just to see him step into this new role and grab his team by the reins, that's what we've all been waiting on."
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