Atlanta Falcons Calvin Ridley Emerging as Falcon’s Second Receiver

The Atlanta Falcons have found their second receiver in rookie Calvin Ridley. Ridley had a breakout game last week showing the Falcons what he will bring to Atlanta in the years to come.

The fact both Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley are Atlanta Falcons is a big part of the reason the offense has found success this season. While Jones is an established star Ridley’s performance last week surprised many fans.

Calvin Ridley torched the Saints in an eventual Falcon’s loss. He grabbed three scores piling up over 146-yards on the day.

Ridley made clutch and explosive catches helping make the Falcon’s red-zone woes a thing of the past. Now combined Ridley has 210-yards on the young season with an eye-popping four touchdown grabs.

He is emerging as Matt Ryan’s second target and should continue to get plenty of targets as opposing defenses attempt to keep Julio Jones covered.

Ridley was the Falcons first-round pick in the NFL Draft and will be a Falcon for at least four more seasons. A fact giving Falcon’s fans two known weapons to watch in Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley.

Part of what makes Ridley so fascinating is the fact he doesn’t rely on his elite speed to make plays. While he certainly uses it he relies on his ability to run routes and be in the right place at the right time.

For a smaller receiver like Ridley his great hands and ability to run routes help to set him apart. It shows a strong work ethic and an ability for Ridley to improve in the seasons to come.

In week four Ridley could have another big day against a less than stellar Bengals secondary. The Falcons and Bengals will kick-off on CBS at 1:00 PM EST on Sunday in a must win game for the Falcons as they attempt to catch up in the division race.