Taylor Heinicke

Taylor Heinicke Named Starter For Week 9. In a not-so-surprising move, Coach Arthur Smith benches Desmond Ridder for veteran Taylor Heinicke.

In week 8, Ridder started the game but was pulled in the second half. Ridder was checked for a concussion but was cleared to return. In the second half, Taylor Heinicke completed 12 of 21 passes for 175 yards and one touchdown, with zero interceptions in the second half of the week 8 game.

This move to the veteran is an upgrade to the Falcons passing game. Heinicke has proved in the past that he is capable as a starter in the NFL. In nine games in 2022, Heinicke had a 62.2% completion percentage with 1,859 passing yards and 12 touchdowns. This is an upgrade for Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and the rest of the Falcon’s offense.