Cincinnati Bearcats: Desmond Ridder secures first career win as Falcons escape in final minute

Atlanta Falcons rookie and Bearcats all-time winningest quarterback Desmond Ridder picked up his first career win as a starter with a last-second victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday!

Despite committing a costly fumble in the first half to give up a short field, Ridder bounced back to finish with 178 total yards and a season-best 73.1% completion rate in the thrilling win.

The former Cincinnati star quarterback made a ton of clutch plays during his illustrious career and that experience paid off after the Cardinals regained a lead with less than five minutes left.

Ridder connected with running back Cordarelle Patterson to get the final drive started and later found tight end MyCole Pruitt with an impressive pass to set up a game-winning field goal.

Cincinnati Bearcats: Desmond Ridder secures first career win as Falcons escape in final minute

In the second quarter, Ridder found Pruitt a couple times before connecting with fellow rookie running back Tyler Allgeier for a first down en route to taking a 14-10 lead at halftime.

Ridder and Allgeier have developed a great connection in their rookie year alongside Falcons first round wide receiver Drake London. Allgeier and London combined for 142 yards in the win.

During the fourth quarter, Atlanta trailed 16-14 before Ridder led a 9-minute drive to regain the lead. Ridder found London to help get into field goal range and eventually grab a 17-16 lead.

It wasn’t a perfect performance but the rookie quarterback continues to show potential early in his career and has a chance to clinch his second win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week.

Cincinnati Football: Breaking down Desmond Ridder’s recent performance as Falcons starter

In his first NFL start two weeks ago, Ridder finished with 135 total yards and zero touchdowns, while completing 13/26 of his passing attempts in a 21-18 loss at the New Orleans Saints.

Ridder was under pressure for most of the night as the Falcons allowed four sacks in the loss. It was difficult for Ridder to find open receivers downfield as he averaged just 3.7 yards per pass.

Even though Atlanta’s offense continued to struggle in a 17-9 loss against the Baltimore Ravens last week, Ridder showed noticeable improvement with decision making and pocket presence.

The Louisville product completed 22/33 of his passes for 218 yards and 6.6 yards per attempt but didn’t have nearly as much success on the ground with just seven rushing yards in the loss.