The Facts: The Falcons turned to Ridder at quarterback late in his rookie season and they’ve spent the offseason repeating their belief in his ability without guaranteeing that he’ll be under center in Week 1 of the regular season. Ridder is thinking about himself that way, however, and he told reporters on Tuesday that he’s viewed himself that way since the Falcons made the decision to promote him last year. “Week 14, whenever that was, and going through the bye week, that’s when I was told then,” Ridder said. “From that point on, it was just going into the offseason, myself just taking it as if you’re the starter. . . . That was my mindset from as soon as I stepped on the field for the first time down in New Orleans, was to obviously take it and run with it.”

Diehards Line: The Falcons signed Taylor Heinicke as a free agent, but it’s been clear that they view him as a No. 2 behind Ridder. Unless they pick a quarterback next week, it doesn’t look like there will be any reason for Ridder to change that mindset. ... During the final four games of last season, Ridder played 271 offensive snaps. He completed 73 of 115 passes (63.5%) for 708 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He finished with a passer rating of 86.4. “He made significant improvement from his first start, second start, third and fourth,” HC Arthur Smith said. “We expect him to make another leap this offseason.” Ridder will have the benefit of staying in the same system next season. “Those are huge factors,” Ridder said. “There is a very select few who get to say that they’ve had the same scheme, offensive coordinator and head coach for multiple years in a row. For myself being one of those guys, I’m going to take advantage of that.” The Falcons will also have most of their starters back on offense.