At one point this year, there was a chance that the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills would have met in the AFC title game at a neutral site in Atlanta after a crucial game with playoff implications was canceled due to Damar Hamlin suffering from cardiac arrest.
The Bengals made sure that did not happen. However, the proposal left many wondering if the league would consider moving to neutral-site conference championship games in the future.
During an interview with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank was asked about the potential move and he made it clear that he would not like the change.
“I actually agree with you on that point,” Arthur Blank said according to Pro Football Talk. “Even though we were selected, I mean, it was a credit to our organization, we were selected out of any number of teams, to use our stadium. But, having said that, I think your point is accurate. The whole year you fight, you do what you can to win games, et cetera, et cetera, and you want to reward your fans by hosting that championship game in your facility.
“It was interesting because Clark Hunt, Lamar’s son, who is the operating owner for the Kansas City Chiefs, he just came out just yesterday, I think, and said he definitely doesn’t think those games should be played on a neutral site. But his father, Lamar, was a strong proponent of it. And I know Clark well, obviously, I serve on committees with him and he’s a great owner, a great leader in the league, I would agree with him. I’m sure his dad if he was with us, he would have some other viewpoints on why it was a good idea but I’m happy with the existing [approach].”
As for the Falcons and their future, Arthur Blank said that he believes in Desmond Ridder, a third-round pick last year who started the final four games at quarterback.
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“We’re very excited about Desmond Ridder,” Blank said. “I think from the time he came into training camp, he showed great capabilities as a leader amongst the rookies and then amongst the vets.”
Ridder finished the season completing 63.5% of his throws for 708 yards and two touchdown passes. He did throw any interceptions in his 115 pass attempts.
Atlanta has Marcus Mariota and Logan Woodside at the QB position, but Mariota could be a salary cap cut.
The Falcons went 7-10 last season.
