 It's Friday night in the A, and you know what that means. Kelly Price and Tori McElhady coming at you on Rise Up Tonight, presented by AT&T. Ritter Ruckus, rejoice, you got your man. We're stepping out of the bye weekend maybe into a new era of Falcons football here. Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that Desmond Ritter is QP1 in Atlanta and oh my goodness we have so much to learn about him. And so much to talk about. This entire episode actually brought to you by the Ritter Ruckus trademark, Tori McElhady, an official sponsor here. But we've got a lot to discuss, so let's huddle up. So the biggest question is why now? Something that I don't think can be overlooked is how Arterson has said in his quarterback change announcement that this is what's best for where the team is at, but also where Desmond Ritter is at. He and quarterback's coach Charles London told us this week that they've seen exponential growth in Ritter just in the last month, simultaneous with a regression the Falcons have seen offensively on the field during that time. So it seems like that's exactly why now, right? Yeah, no, think of it this way. Do you remember those graphs that we used to look at all the time in elementary school math? Well, let me paint you a picture. Desmond Ritter's trajectory is on the x-axis. The Falcons offensive production is on the y-axis. Those two lines have been moving down the graph as time goes on, but it wasn't until a week ago that those lines not only met but intersected. I think it's also important to note, and I'll say this, that Marcus Mario does knee injury does not factor into this graph at all. Marcus has been put on IR, but that's not even an outlier on this graph. The decision to start Desmond Ritter was one made because the Falcons felt that Ritter was ready and the offense needed to be pushed. It was not a decision made out of a response to injury. I like the graph analogy. The math is certainly mapping. Ritter even said the other day he might not have been as ready as he is right now four or five weeks ago, but now he feels fully ready and he's even more excited than his supporters online. You know, at the end of the day, like I said, this is my dream job. This is what I wanted to do. You know, the only difference, you know, like I was saying between last week and this week is these 13 cameras. So everything else I'm doing in between there, you know, is the same that I've been doing. That's what I was preparing to do the past 16 weeks, whatever it may be, since camp, however long it's been, was just preparing like I wasn't started, like I said earlier. So coming in this week, you know, having changed anything, just, you know, add it on, just try to do as much as I can to be prepared. You can't know your foolish repair, but you can, you know, prepare to the fullest. I'm going to try to make a quote there. That was actually really solid. I enjoy media sessions with Desmond Ritter truly because he just comes off so genuine, honest, mature, confident, all the things that you want to see from him, right? Tori, maybe it was the most notable or interesting thing that he said earlier this week. So you can feel that this is a guy who isn't afraid of leading. He isn't afraid to take charge. And I actually go back to something Charles London said and our ability with him earlier in the day when he was talking about Ritter entering every huddle with conviction. He wasn't fumbling over his words to get the play call in. He did so with confidence and without missing a beat. That picture came into, came to life as Ritter was talking about his comfort in this game with us later in the day. You feel that ability when he speaks. Also, if he keeps giving us quotes and soundbites like that, I'll look forward to his pressers every week. Absolutely. So we've heard Smith talk a lot about how he hopes his team can get over the hump. Tall task for Rookie making his very first start. But what can the realistic expectations be for Dustin Ritter? Yes, so I know that we're talking a lot about Ritter and yes, I know there is a very large contingency of this fan base that is excited to see him. And heck, I'll be honest, I am excited to see what the Falcons have in him. But taper expectations, please. Playing New Orleans in New Orleans with playoff implications on the line is a huge moment for any quarterback, let alone one making his very first NFL start. So set expectations accordingly. Know that Ritter is going to make rookie quarterback mistakes. Know that there's a chance this offense won't be productive at times and don't get your hopes up that Desmond Ritter is the savior of Falcons football. Because honestly, that's just not fair. And your reasonable expectation with Ritter on Sunday is to be patient with him and the Falcons offense as they figure out how to operate with him. Good advice and I hope you guys are all listening to what Ritter has to say. Well expectations are always high for the Falcons pregame fashion statements we're walking in presented by Wells Fargo. Today's show obviously has a clear theme. Desmond Ritter knew what he was doing wearing the statement shirt. He really do be manifesting. Here's the thing, doesn't it kind of look like the Atlanta, Georgia changed my life sweatshirt that CP wore all last year. It's similar font and everything. And let's be honest, it worked out for CP pretty well. Trey Young's been wearing it as well. John Evans giving us the Game Day Grimace which is kind of funny juxtaposed with this fun fit. I don't know if it's like tie-dye exactly but I really like the matching set. Okay, I'm going to be honest with you. This may be one of my favorite fits of the season because it's just so different than some of the other fits that we've seen all along the season and I also love the splashes of pink in there. Nice touch. Yes. Next up, an all black ensemble for Darren Hall. I can get behind an all black moment but this one kind of reminds me of like a coloring book a good point. And what I'll say about this is I know you say you saw a coloring book to me. I actually feel like it's something that I've seen at the High Museum because there is so much detail in there. Some high art in our Falcons fits. I love it. So we've talked to the guys about their favorite cheat meals in the past but this week we asked what's the food that you love that everyone else seems to hate in our question of the week? I don't know because I'm pretty picking myself because I don't really like too like crazy off the wall type of food. I like Brussels sprouts. A lot of people don't like Brussels sprouts but other than that, yeah, I'm pretty regular. Here it's avocado and I'm very, very surprised. I mean, I'm a Calibur so I love avocado and that's where we go. But yeah, David didn't know me about avocado here and I'm kind of thrown off by it. Pretty basic but I would say green bean casserole on Thanksgiving, I'm a huge proponent of. I know some people have hard stances on it but I'm huge. I love it. Well, Drake, we're on Team Avocados with you there. Oh yeah, 100%. Well, coming up later in the show, an old friend makes his return. My guy Harry Douglas back on Rise Up Tonight like he never left. Don't miss that later in the show. Plus the Falcons name their Walter Payton Man of the Year during the bye week. More on that coming up next on Rise Up Tonight. Rise Up Tonight is presented by AT&T and brought to you by Georgia Lottery. Today could be the day. By Home Depot, how do is get more done? By Mercedes Benz, the best of nothing and by Truist, committed to a better future. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award recognizes one player for outstanding community service activities off the field as well as excellence on it. Few embody that description more than Falcons right guard, Chris Lindstrom. Over the past four years, he's been instrumental in launching a Georgia chapter of Best Buddies and his best buddy Michael was one of a few loved ones and people he's touched and wrote him some heartfelt letters when he was surprised with the news in this emotional video that the Falcons released. I sat down with him to talk about this prestigious honor as we Rise Up for Atlanta brought to you by Truist. What was it like for you to get that news? Surreal, really, really surreal. It's an incredible honor and I'm just really grateful for it and all the work that the community, like our team has done in the community and our community relations staff is they don't get enough credit for all that they do and they make it so easy and I really think Mr. Blank is, I don't know if there's a better owner in the league in setting a standard of service in the community and it's something I'm very appreciative that I'm lucky to be a part of an organization like that. The Falcons put out a video of you reading all those letters from your loved ones and people that you've helped over the years. What was it like for you to hear all those words come from them? It was incredibly touching and I didn't know what was happening. They told me that it was a Christmas read and I absolutely butchered the read, probably one of the worst things ever and they were just like, oh no you're good and then they started handing me the letters so I was not ready for it but it was really special and to hear the voices behind the letters and just for them to take the time to be able to do that was really, really touching something I'll always remember. Congratulations to Chris. Well, a bi-week certainly energizes the team but it feels like the switch at quarterback brings a spark to this team. When I asked Desmond Ritter about it the other day, he said maybe but the biggest spark this team really needs is a win. What does this team need to do on Sunday to make that happen? Yeah, so they need to balance up their offensive attack, I think first and foremost. I know there are people who would disagree with me but I'm actually not displeased with the way this defense has been playing. As of late I am wanting to see more from this offense though. They have one of the least productive passing attacks in the league currently. Only the Browns are below them. Desmond Ritter has about his confidence in the playbook. Well, I felt very similar conviction from Arthur Smith this week when we talked to him about the passing game needing to catch up with the run game's productivity. For the Falcons to get over this hump, that's what needs to happen. I think that's what we all want to see as well. Well, it's wild to think about how the Twitter keyboard warriors calling for Desmond Ritter will get their wish this week. We've got some hot picks of our own still to come. Plus, former Falcons wide receiver and former team teammate of Marcus Marriota joins us to talk about this team and much more. That's coming up next. Rise Up Tonight is presented by AT&T and brought to you by Georgia Lottery. Today could be the day. By Home Depot how doers get more done. By Mercedes Benz, the best of nothing and by Trues, committed to a better future. Welcome back to Rise Up Tonight. Let's head in the nest with Kelly Torey and this week's special guest, brought to you by Mercedes Benz. Well, we're back from the buy and we're back with a really awesome in the nest guest back like you never left Harry Douglas, former co-host of the show ESPN's Rising Star. Thank you so much for being here, HD. No, I'm excited, Kelly. When you, when you gave me the call, first thing I said, I'm going to figure out a time, I'm going to figure out a way that I can go in there because you know, you're my girl now. We used to do this show together and you're so professional and diligent, but we had fun doing it too. So I was like, well, don't make me cry now. I mean, I have to say, I had some pretty big shoes to fill that. But you've been doing a great job because I've been watching from afar. Right. So both of y'all have been doing a great job and I actually love the show. So Rise Up Tonight makes sure y'all rise up and make sure you watch it every Friday night and midnight. So speaking of new faces, Desmond Ritter obviously going to be a new face under center for the Falcons. What are your thoughts on that whole move for the Falcons? Well, I think at this moment right now we're going to make the playoffs because the NFC South is still activated, right? Every team in that division can actually win the division and make the playoffs and host the home playoff game. But for a team that has rushed the football so effectively and needed a little bit more in the past game, I think Desmond Ritter being a quarterback at this juncture in the season is the right move from Arthur Smith, Terry Fontenot, all the guys who made the decision and made the call. The flip side of that going to New Orleans and it being the rival in Caesars Superdome is no longer a we got the real Mercedes Benz stadium here. We got the real name here in Atlanta. But I think it's remarkable because he can set his career off in a unbelievable manner in an unbelievable fashion, right? Especially with these coaches and these players as teammates in the fan base. So I'm looking forward to seeing this game against the New Orleans Saints and Kelly, you know exactly how I feel about the Saints from the south side of Atlanta. So I hope it's a great one for this. That's why we have you here today for that rivalry. Exactly. And I, you know, I'm glad that you brought up, you know, Desmond going down and I feel like playing New Orleans in New Orleans is a big deal for just about anybody. But a rookie quarterback for his first NFL start that just feels like one of the biggest moments you could have. I mean if you're sitting there talking to Desmond Ritter what advice would you give him about like not letting the moment get too big for him? Well, I'll say number one I believe within the confines of the offense. And I think Arthur Smith is going to put him in a position and Dave are going to be successful, right? They're not going to, you know, go out there and try to explore them because at the end of the day it is his first start. But I know just about every time when I was playing that we played down there, everything had to be on the silent count because it was so loud and they do have an amazing fan base. That's one thing I got to give them credit for. It doesn't matter how the team is doing, they're going to go and support the New Orleans Saints down there in New Orleans. So, you know, don't let the moment get too big, don't let the highs be too high, don't let the lows be too low, but stay even killed, stay cool, calm and collected. Another quarterback that's young in his third year right now, Jailor Hurts, that's how he is. When I watch him play the game of football, he doesn't waver, whether it's second and 20, whether it's third and 19, he stay cool, calm and collected. And when your teammates, especially when you're a young quarterback, see those things, they feed off of that. And of course you were with Marcus Maroida when he was drafted in Tennessee, so you know him sticking with him so long, and maybe do you have insight maybe on how he's kind of feeling right now? Well, I'll say one of the main reasons why I actually think they stuck with him so long is because he does some, he did some amazing things. Sure. One of the main reasons why the run game has been so effective is because he was added to it. Yeah. And now when you add a plus one, the quarterback into the run game, now defenses have to defend you a different way, right? You see the zone read, a lot of the times I'm watching the games and he's pulling the football, I'm thinking the running bag has it, so he's tricking me in the camera, I know he's tricking the defense defenseman, so he did a great job of that. He always had a positive attitude. He's one of the most unbelievable guys I've ever played with. Now, you actually were working with the Falcons during training camp. Yes. Tell us a little bit about that experience and what it meant for you to be able to do that. Well, it was unbelievable. Number one, I got to give credit to Sarah, I got to give credit to Marquis, the special team coach, Terry Funt, I got to know the GM and Arthur Smith and Dave Ragone, because all those ladies and gentlemen welcome me in with open arms, right? And normally you think you're going into that situation and there are going to be things that you can do, things that you can do, meetings that you can go in, meetings that you can't go in. It was never like that here in Atlanta. They allowed me to be into everything, actually give my input on some things as well and I thought it was just a great situation to put, you know, players and to me it was everybody who did the internship. Right. So it was just a great thing, a great feeling to actually feel like you're a part of something throughout the spring. Obviously it is Saints Week as well and I know rivalry means a lot to you. Kelly. Talk a little bit about how big this game is. I think it's huge. Huge number one because it's the next game. Number two, because it's your rival, New Orleans Saints. You know, Atlanta hates New Orleans, New Orleans hates Atlanta, but we're going to leave it to you guys because, you know, my my wife's side of the family, they're from New Orleans and, you know, my grandma Joyce passed away. So I'm sad because normally I go back and forth with my grandma Joyce, you know, because she's all New Orleans and whatnot and I'm all Atlanta and she passed away about two or three months ago. So I'm not going to be able to have that back and forth with Grandma Joyce but Grandma Joyce know one thing about me when it comes to this. It's it's it's I'm brutal. It's on. I'm brutal. Yeah, it is on. I'm brutal. So it's now it's going to have to be me against my father-in-law. You know what I mean? We're going to go back and forth with it but I don't know just the next game and then an opportunity to move another direction to winning the division and take another step towards, you know, making the playoffs in the first game of the year. New Orleans Saints won that game. That's the game I actually won. But crucial mistakes, you know, at the end of that game defensively guys getting picked off on a three-man wheel and Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry making catches. But at the same time, you know, fumbling inside your own red zone where you have an opportunity, you know, another fumble at the explosive catch by Zaccheus and then third and one situation where you could potentially pick up a first down and the snap is being fumbled. So fourth down now you're punting and your first stop in which they didn't. So I think they're going to look at all those things. Now the New Orleans team and Atlanta focus team that we've seen in week one is not going to be what we see in what? What's this? Week 15? It's not going to be the same two teams. So you have to look at what they have been doing like the last four or five weeks, right? Different quarterback. You're going to have Andy Dalton. Michael Thomas isn't playing. You have a lot of guys band up on their side. Some guys different. You have guys band up over here on our side. So you make the proper adjustments and see what they've done recently and you you go accordingly to that huge opportunity for the Falcons this week in New Orleans. Thanks so much, Harry. We appreciate you. As always, the great Kelly, the great toy man. I'm here with two Magnificent. Anyone who wants to catch the full conversation, head to fox5atlanta.com and we'll be right back on Rise Up Tonight. This is a crack talking and you watch your rise up tonight presented by AT&T. I don't get caught up in whatever narrative is after four weeks of the daily narratives. You can almost write some of these narratives and live and die every week by the narratives because it sets up bad narratives. You can frame the narrative. You can write narratives. Those are easy narratives and. All right. Well, in honor of you getting Taylor Swift tickets, we're going to take a look at what's going on. The first episode was my mastermind moment. If y'all have not heard the song, the lyrics go, I laid the groundwork and just like clockwork that Domino's cascaded in line. There we go. Last time out. My hot take was that we might not get to see Desmond Redder this season that Marcus Marietta was doing just enough. Well, clearly Arthur Smith had seen just enough. He made the switch at what appears next on everyone and my hot take this week is that I think this is the right call right now. We love a Taylor Swift mastermind moment. I feel like the ladies know, but my hot take this week, this offense may not look too different with Desmond Redder under center. Why? Because play calling wasn't necessarily the issue in my mind. Collectively, it wasn't that the Falcons were in need of an overhaul of the playbook. It's that they need to execute what they were being asked to do Falcons to fit Redder's knowledge of the playbook. He knows it. They may alter it slightly to fit Redder's strengths, but let's be honest, his strengths are closer to that of Marcus Marietta's than that of Matt Ryan's. That leads me to believe that from an operational standpoint, the Falcons will look quite similar to what they have previously. The difference is that they need more production. Man, gotta be honest. I'm more excited for Sunday's game than I have been for Falcons game in a long time. Well, here's hoping for Sunday's game tonight. For now, good night.