Calvin Ridley -- Superstar in the making?

[Jamaaliver]

Calvin Ridley Is the NFL’s Newest Superstar Wide Receiver

The 2018 first-round pick is on pace to shatter all of his previous career highs. In the Falcons’ dark times, Ridley’s star has shined bright.



Calvin Ridley’s star is rising so rapidly in Atlanta, he just might make you forget that times are grim for the Falcons right now...in the midst of Atlanta’s losing streak, Ridley has emerged as much more than just a sidekick to perennial Pro Bowl wideout Julio Jones. Ridley is a no. 1 receiver in his own right.

Through three games, Ridley has 21 catches for 349 yards (second most in the league) and four touchdowns (tied for first). He’s the only player to have registered at least 100 receiving yards in each game this season. Needless to say, he’s on pace to shatter all of his previous career highs...if he keeps up this pace, he’ll total 1,861 receiving yards—more than his previous two seasons combined.

Spoiler:

Ridley has done his part, serving as a reliable go-to target for quarterback Matt Ryan. That’s been particularly true in the red zone. While Hayden Hurst was acquired as Hooper’s direct replacement, Ryan has still favored Ridley near the goal line. The wideout is tied for fourth in red zone targets (seven) and ranks first in red zone TDs among wide receivers (three).

But beyond the red zone, Ridley’s full impact has been felt all over the field for Atlanta. The former Alabama speedster has been key to the Falcons’ vertical passing game. He leads the league in completed air yards (305) and intended air yards (559). Ryan clearly trusts Ridley downfield, and the wideout ranks first in receptions of 15 yards or more (eight).

Ridley’s overall average depth of target is 16.9 yards, tied for fifth highest among receivers (min. 10 targets) this year. He’s yet to record a single reception behind the line of scrimmage. Atlanta has really taken advantage of the respect defensive backs give Ridley for his speed and great route-running ability by using him to execute long-developing patterns on play-action passes. He’s been highly successful at achieving chunk yardage on play-action throws, boasting five receptions for 150 yards and one TD on such plays.

And while he’s been a consistent threat to opposing defenses in the vertical passing game, Ridley is also capable of reeling off big yards after the catch in the quick game. Ridley’s rapport with Ryan has grown so much that the quarterback routinely throws to him with perfect timing.

Ridley’s two outstanding debut seasons in the league were encouraging, but three games into his third, it’s clear that he’s taken the next step toward becoming one of the best receivers in the NFL. And at a time when Atlanta is slim on victories, Ridley’s dominance and trajectory to superstardom are welcome.

The Ringer

[Jamaaliver]

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[HMFFL]

Productive year so far.
Julio does take a lot of pressure off Ridley.

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[atlantabbq99]

The more I watch Ridley, the more he reminds me of Marvin Harrison.

Ridley and Trevor Lawrence could be as good as Harrison and Manning and could be a great duo for the Falcons for the next 15 years.

[Jamaaliver]

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[HMFFL]

Calvin Ridley is the most glaring Falcons Pro Bowl snub

The third-year veteran is having his breakout campaign, as he’s third in the NFC in yards and sixth in touchdown receptions.

https://www.thefalcoholic.com/platform/amp/2020/12/21/22194451/calvin-ridley-is-the-most-glaring-falcons-pro-bowl-snub

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