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Cincinnati Football: Desmond Ridder ready for NFL preseason debut in Detroit

ByCharles Post|
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder during training camp. USA Today.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder during training camp. USA Today.

After cementing an unforgettable legacy with the Bearcats, Desmond Ridder is ready to start his next chapter with the Atlanta Falcons. The two-time AAC Offensive Player of the Year is expected to compete with Marcus Mariota for the starting spot throughout the preseason and will debut against the Detroit Lions on Friday night.

Cincinnati Football: Desmond Ridder ready for NFL preseason debut in Detroit

Mariota is projected to start the game at Ford Field but likely won’t play more than a few possessions before calling it a night and giving way to Ridder. Both quarterbacks joined the organization this offseason so there should be an adjustment period as they continue to fine-tune connections and register the playbook.

Atlanta decided to deal Matt Ryan and sign Mariota in March which paved the way for Ridder to get drafted with the 74th overall pick in the third round just a month later. Ryan spent 14 seasons with the franchise, winning the 2016 NFL MVP and reaching Super Bowl LI, before getting traded to the Indianapolis Colts.

Cincinnati Football: Desmond Ridder ready for NFL preseason debut in Detroit

"Ridder recently discussed being drafted per the Atlanta Falcons: “It was a moment I’ve been waiting for my whole life. It was a dream I’ve had ever since I was a little kid. When I saw it was an Atlanta number, I was really excited. It wasn’t that far from home and I knew the culture here in Atlanta.”"

During his four-year career with the Bearcats, Ridder was unbeaten at Nippert Stadium and finished with a 44-6 record. In addition to throwing the most touchdowns in school history, Ridder set the single season and career records with 12,418 total yards and 115 touchdowns in 50 appearances.

"The Louisville native mentioned his time in Clifton via the Atlanta Falcons: “I wanted to leave a legacy at Cincinnati. That was huge for me. I wanted to validate, not only the hard work that I put in, but everything my teammates put in to make things happen. The biggest thing was to go out there and prove that I’m a winner.”"