Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder enters the 2023 season as the starting quarterback, a year removed from being a third-round pick who started just four games to close the season. He is more comfortable in the offense in his second year, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports.

"This time last year, my head was spinning," Ridder said Wednesday. "Obviously having a year under my belt and a whole offseason, it's become a lot more comfortable. Now we're just trying to work the intricate details of it, just working the ins and outs, and knowing the exact whys of why everything is going on."

Ridder sits as the biggest wild card in a wide-open NFC South. If the second-year quarterback makes a leap, buoyed by a run-heavy offense and an -- on paper -- improved defense, the Falcons could leapfrog to the top of the division. If he struggles, Atlanta will be left looking up at its rivals once again.

Part of what has drawn the Falcons to Ridder -- and left the coaching staff confident enough not to bring in true competition this offseason -- is his natural-born leadership.

"I'm just doing what comes natural to me. Nothing's forced," Ridder said. "However it comes out for me... Sometimes it's loud, sometimes it's not. Sometimes it's just real quiet off to the side. Sometimes you'll see me out there talking to the defense, talking to whoever. That's just who I am."

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