Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is trending in the right direction after the last few weeks. Host Aaron Freeman explains why he sees the glass as half full with Ridder's recent progress based on his ability to execute an "advanced level" of the offense. Later, he discusses how much patience is needed with Ridder's development for the rest of the season. He also discusses whether or not Ridder can accomplish something that Marcus Mariota was unable to last year once the Falcons were atop the NFC South in the middle of the season.

Finally, he looks at the Falcons defense, it's "clutch" factor, and the parallels it has with the 2017 Falcons defense. He breaks down the likelihood of the team making a big trade for a defensive end ahead of the trade deadline.

Part of the @LockedOnATL

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOFalcons?sid=...

Locked On NFL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNFL

Follow Aaron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/falcfans

Follow the show: https://twitter.com/lockedonfalcons

Become a Locked On Falcons Insider for in-depth analysis every day!

https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonfalcons

Join our brand new Discord server!

https://discord.gg/lockedonfalcons

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

DoorDash

Get 50% off up to $10 value when you spend $15 or more on your FIRST order, when you download the DoorDash app and enter code LOCKED23. Subject to change. Terms apply.

Jase Medical

Get $20 off these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com.

PrizePicks

Go to https://PrizePicks.com/lockedonnfl and use code lockedonnfl for a first deposit match up to $100!

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed.

eBay Motors

For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at https://eBayMotors.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at https://LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNFL. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS – GUARANTEED. Visit https://FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at https://sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit https://FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit https://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit https://ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices