Desmond Ridder, a former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, is navigating a challenging transition with his new team, the Arizona Cardinals. Over the past few weeks, Ridder has encountered several difficulties during training camp, making mistakes that echo the struggles he faced during his time with the Falcons. These issues have raised questions about his readiness and ability to secure a spot on the Cardinals’ roster.
Now, Ridder has an opportunity to demonstrate his worth in a preseason game—a moment that will carry more weight for him than most. In a twist of fate, Ridder will be facing a familiar opponent, the New Orleans Saints, a team he encountered multiple times during his tenure with the Falcons. With a record of 1-2 against the Saints as a Falcon, this upcoming game presents a critical chance for Ridder to not only showcase his growth as a player but also to prove that he can rise to the occasion under pressure.
For many fans, particularly those who harbor animosity toward the Saints as a bitter rival of the Falcons, this game carries an added layer of significance. While preseason games may not affect the standings, the rivalry between the Falcons and the Saints is always intense, and seeing the Saints falter—even in the preseason—would be satisfying for many. In this context, Ridder has an opportunity to win over Cardinals fans, particularly those who are familiar with the NFC South rivalry.
Ridder’s journey with the Cardinals has been anything but smooth. He was brought in with hopes that he could provide solid competition for the backup quarterback position behind Kyler Murray, who is firmly established as the team’s starter. However, Ridder has struggled to distinguish himself from the competition, particularly Clayton Tune, who is also vying for the backup role. His performance in training camp has been marred by a series of unfortunate interceptions that bear an uncanny resemblance to the errors he made with the Falcons last season. These mistakes have put his position on the roster in jeopardy, and the upcoming preseason game is crucial for his prospects.
Adding to the complexity of Ridder’s situation is the context of his arrival in Arizona. Ridder was traded to the Cardinals as part of a deal involving Rondale Moore, a promising young player who was expected to make an impact this season. Unfortunately, Moore recently suffered a season-ending injury, which has cast a shadow over the trade. Initially seen as a potential steal for the Cardinals’ General Manager, Terry Fontenot, the trade has lost some of its luster due to this unforeseen setback.
In summary, Desmond Ridder faces a critical juncture in his career as he prepares to take on the New Orleans Saints in his preseason debut with the Arizona Cardinals. His performance in this game could determine whether he secures a spot on the roster or faces an uncertain future in the NFL. For Ridder, this game is more than just a preseason matchup—it’s a chance to prove himself, silence his critics, and show that he can overcome the challenges that have plagued him thus far.
