**Desmond Ridder: A Look At His Raiders Fit**

ZAGO 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Oct 23, 2024

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Desmond Ridder: A Look at His Raiders Fit

The Las Vegas Raiders made a splash in the 2023 NFL Draft, adding former Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder to their roster. This move sparked a debate among fans and analysts alike: is Ridder the right fit for the Raiders? This article dives deep into Ridder's skillset, his potential, and how he might fit within the Raiders' offensive scheme.

Ridder's Strengths: A Dynamic Playmaker

Ridder, a four-year starter at Cincinnati, brings a plethora of strengths to the table. He's known for his athleticism and ability to extend plays, escaping pressure and making throws on the run. He also possesses a strong arm with the ability to make throws across the field.

Here's a closer look at his key strengths:

• Mobility: Ridder is a true dual-threat quarterback, capable of creating big plays with his legs. He can extend plays, avoid sacks, and make throws outside the pocket, adding a dynamic element to the offense.
• Arm Strength: While his accuracy can be inconsistent, Ridder has the arm strength to make all the throws necessary in the NFL. He can drive the ball deep, hit tight windows, and make throws on the run.
• Leadership: As a four-year starter at Cincinnati, Ridder established himself as a leader both on and off the field. He is known for his work ethic, his competitive spirit, and his ability to motivate his teammates.

The Raiders' Offensive Scheme: A Match for Ridder's Skillset?

The Raiders' offense, under head coach Josh McDaniels, is known for its reliance on tight ends and running backs in the passing game. This playstyle can benefit from a mobile quarterback like Ridder who can effectively extend plays and create opportunities for his receivers.

Here's how Ridder's skillset could mesh with the Raiders' offensive scheme:

• Run-Pass Option (RPO) Plays: Ridder's ability to read defenses and make quick decisions makes him a perfect fit for RPOs, a staple of McDaniels' offense. He can choose to hand off to a running back or throw to a receiver based on the defense's reaction.
• Play-Action Pass: Ridder's athleticism can make play-action plays even more effective. The threat of him running allows receivers to get open on play-action passes, creating opportunities for big gains.
• Short to Intermediate Passing Game: McDaniels' offense relies heavily on short and intermediate passes to tight ends and running backs. Ridder's ability to make quick throws and accurate decisions makes him a perfect fit for this playstyle.

The Challenges Ahead: Areas for Improvement

While Ridder boasts potential, he's not without his weaknesses. He needs to improve his accuracy and decision-making to reach his full potential. He must also learn to adapt to the faster pace and complexities of the NFL game.

Key areas for improvement:

• Accuracy: Ridder's accuracy can be inconsistent at times, especially on deep passes. He needs to work on his mechanics and develop better touch on throws.
• Decision-making: Ridder can sometimes force throws into tight coverage, leading to interceptions. He needs to learn to read defenses better and make quicker decisions.
• Pre-Snap Read: He needs to become better at reading defenses pre-snap, allowing him to anticipate coverage and make quicker decisions at the line of scrimmage.

Conclusion: A Potential Bright Spot for the Raiders

Desmond Ridder brings a unique skillset to the Las Vegas Raiders. His mobility, arm strength, and leadership qualities make him a potentially exciting prospect for the team. However, he must address his weaknesses and adapt to the NFL game to truly succeed. With the right coaching and development, Ridder has the potential to be a bright spot for the Raiders in the years to come.

Keep an eye on Desmond Ridder as he embarks on his NFL journey with the Raiders!