The Atlanta Falcons are starting Taylor Heinicke at quarterback against the Arizona Cardinals, but coach Arthur Smith made it clear that he does not want the decision about who starts at quarterback to be a weekly topic of conversation. Smith stated that they will evaluate what they've seen from Heinicke and Desmond Ridder over the first eight weeks and then make a decision from there. Ridder completed 65.4% of his passes for 1,701 yards, six touchdowns, six interceptions, and six fumbles lost. Heinicke has completed 55.9% of his passes for 443 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception over the past six quarters.

• The Falcons do not want the decision about who starts at quarterback to be a weekly topic of conversation.
• They will evaluate Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder and make a decision from there.
• Desmond Ridder completed 65.4% of his passes for 1,701 yards, six touchdowns, six interceptions, and six fumbles lost.
• Taylor Heinicke has completed 55.9% of his passes for 443 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception over the past six quarters.