The starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons this week, Taylor Heinicke, took Desmond Ridder’s spot, but head coach Arthur Smith stated that the change was temporary.
Even after failing to secure a long-term starting position as quarterback in Sunday’s 31-28 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Heinicke has not committed to the position.
After the loss, Smith was not prepared to designate the veteran the full-time starter, even though he liked what he saw in him. The veteran completed 21 for 38 for 268 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Smith stated, “I thought he operated on third down pretty well, but he did turn the ball over.” “We’ll get together and assess. I felt he gave us a few opportunities.
With 9:06 remaining and the Falcons trailing 24-21, Heinicke led the team 79 yards for a touchdown to give Atlanta the lead back with 2:08 remaining. Heinicke’s crucial 13-yard scamper on third-and-9 was a key component of the drive’s success. After three carries, Heinicke ended with 20 yards of rush yardage and one sack.
Heinicke expressed satisfaction with his performance but wished he could have had a few plays back, like as the interception in the third quarter that gave the Vikings the lead.
Heinicke stated, “I don’t think that was a relationship-type of deal (with the receivers).” “That throw was simply poor.
The Falcons lost to the Titans 28-23 last week, and Ridder was substituted in at halftime after starting the first eight games of the season. With Heinicke at the center of the offense, the Falcons scored 20 points in the second half against the Titans.
Heinicke said he isn’t focused on who will start when the Falcons travel to Arizona to play the Cardinals the following week, but Smith would not commit to a quarterback other than having him start against the Vikings.
“At the moment, I’m not really thinking about that. Heinicke remarked, “I’m still (upset) about the loss.” “We’ll check in on Tuesday, Wednesday, and tomorrow to see what happens, but for now, we’re still thinking about the game.”
Positively, in the third quarter, Heinicke quickly screen passed to tight end Jonnu Smith, who broke it for a 60-yard touchdown. Additionally, the Falcons’ late touchdown drive put them in a position to surpass the.500 mark.
After Joshua Dobbs fumbled, the Falcons had to settle for field goals on their first two trips to the red zone, including one drive that began at the Vikings 1-yard line. A 23-yard field goal resulted from a penalty and several botched run plays.
