Jonnu Smith backs Ridder after Week 5 performance: 'The kid has got it'

Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith praised quarterback Desmond Ridder's performance in the team's Week 5 victory over the Houston Texans.

"He was phenomenal," Smith said postgame, per team reporter Scott Bair. "I was impressed, but I wasn't shocked. The kid has got it, man. I know he takes a lot of heat, but he just wants to continue to improve and get better. He's got the right tools. He's got the right mindset."

Ridder finished the game with 329 passing yards and two total touchdowns while completing 76% of his throws. This was the first game in Ridder's nine career starts that he eclipsed 250 passing yards.

The 24-year-old stepped up on the team's final drive after the Texans took a one-point lead with under two minutes remaining. Ridder went 5-for-5 with 45 passing yards to help set up the game-winning field goal.

The quarterback's performance comes after he received backlash during the week following a poor outing in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"I just put my head down and went to work," Ridder said on how he handled the criticism.

He added: "I really don't care what the outside world has to say. As long as myself and my teammates were on the same page, we're just going to keep getting better. Not only myself but the team as well, and just keep improving."

The Falcons improved their record to 3-2 with the victory. Atlanta will take on the Washington Commanders in Week 5.