PENSIVE-- The association of the paths of the very first novice quarterback taken in the 2022 NFL Draft and the second was not shed on me as the last mins of the Falcons loss to the Steelers ticked by on Sunday evening. Kenny Pickett, taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 20th total pick of this year's draft. Desmond Ridder, taken by the Atlanta Falcons with the 74th total pick of the year's draft. Though Pickett was a preliminary option and Ridder didn't come off the board until the 3rd round, their early days as professional gamers were spent identically. Both were learning a new infraction, signing their novice bargains, going to novice minicamps, OTAs and - later on - training camp. By September and the begin of their very first NFL routine season, both were called the back-up quarterback for their teams. Pittsburgh would begin the period with Mitchell Trubisky under center. Atlanta would certainly offer the reins of the infraction to Marcus Mariota. ASSOCIATED WEB CONTENT: Whatever Arthur Smith stated concerning Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and state of Falcons QB placement after Steelers lossBair: Falcons in playoff contention, yet do not appear like a playoff teamInstant Replay: What attracted attention in Falcons loss to Steelers For a few weeks, Pickett and Ridder's courses adhered to alongside each other Wyatt Teller Jersey. It had not been up until Week 4 of the season that their courses split. Week 4 was the week Pickett made his NFL debut, coming in during the 2nd half of the Steelers loss to the Jets. Trubisky was benched, and it was time to learn what Pittsburgh had in its preliminary draft pick. Pickett had not been fantastic in the loss. He tossed 3 interceptions. Yet there were flashes of what he might be. So, by very early October, Pickett was formally named the starter relocating forward. Ever since, Pickett has resembled a newbie quarterback. He's made newbie mistakes. All the while, though, you can see his maturation. There's still a means to go with the former preliminary pick, yet he's shown capacity. As Forbes factor DJ Siddiqi wrote at the end of November: "It might have taken some time, however Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Kenny Pickett is starting to reveal he's a franchise quarterback nevertheless. " Todd Rosenberg/Todd Rosenberg 2022 The Falcons - on the other hand - can not claim this about Ridder. They can not in excellent confidence say they know what they have in him as he has actually not regulated or regulated an NFL infraction considering that the preseason. As Pickett worked his means to - some would certainly claim - franchise-worthy sparkle also in losses, Ridder has remained in the background, running the scout team throughout Falcons techniques. Let's get one point directly here, too: Noting all of this is not me knocking the Falcons decision-making. I have said from the minute Ridder joined Mariota in this quarterback space that 1) it made good sense to start Mariota, that had not simply organization experience yet experience in Arthur Smith's offense, early, and 2) there is a big difference in a first-round choice's novice year trajectory for a quarterback than that of a third-round pick. And while we go to it, consider this, too: In Week 4, the Falcons were at a. 500 document. They were coming off a win against the Browns, who at the time had one of the most productive offenses in the league. No, Mariota had not been perfect with the initial four video games of the period, however he was doing enough. By Week 6, Mariota was the NFC Offensive Player of the Week due to his efficiency in the Falcons win over the 49ers. At this time, the Falcons were riding a high. So, it made sense as Ridder - and any type of discussion of him - went to the back heater as Pickett was simply warming up. Points have modification, however, and the Falcons have actually shed 4 of their last five games. As we talked about after the loss on Sunday, Smith's comments regarding the quarterback position has actually altered, as well. The back heater, where Ridder presently simmers, is heating up. And after the loss on Sunday, I could not aid however believe that the association of Pickett and what the Steelers now understand about him) and Ridder was also substantial to overlook. Do the Falcons deserve an opportunity to find out what they have in Ridder? Have we reached that point? My individual feeling is that if it does not occur now - with the Falcons heading into their bye week - it's not going to take place in all in 2022. Smith said after the loss on Sunday that assessments and potential adjustments were coming, and indeed, that might consist of the quarterback position Ronnie Hickman Jersey. In a perfect world, the Falcons will complete these assessments throughout the bye week and make a public decision regarding the quarterback by next Monday, prior to the beginning of practices in advance of the Saints game. I - directly - would love to see Smith announce a choice one method or another) during that Monday press meeting. State openly what the Falcons strategy is at the quarterback position, and explain exactly how and why the football staff concerned that decision. If the choice is to start Ridder, state it and discuss it. If the choice is to stick with Mariota, state it and clarify it. Kathryn Skeean/ 2022 Atlanta Falcons The Falcons go to a fork in the road with the quarterback position now. One course puts Ridder back in action with Pickett and the Falcons on the right track with the Steelers to identify if the future of the quarterback setting is currently on their 2022 lineup. The various other course takes Ridder better far from Pickett. If the Falcons make a decision to start Mariota against the Saints in two weeks' time, it would be an indication to me that Ridder is not ready. Regardless, the Falcons have a choice to make. As a pointer, I do not make money to make that choice. All I can do it existing you the truths as I see them. I can offer you my viewpoint, as well, which is what this entire note pad constantly is do not fail to remember that). Once again, the Falcons are at a fork in the road. In my opinion, the direction they select to take will inform us a lot regarding what they think about the quarterbacks they have in Atlanta. Will that path lead Ridder back to being parallel with Pickett? Probably. All I understand is that the association of Ridder and Pickett's paths in their rookie year was too fascinating for me to Our Team To The Pro Bowl Ballot currently to send your preferred Falcons' gamers to the 2023 Pro Bowl! VOTE NOW