Atlanta Falcons Vs Carolina Panthers: Four Offensive Players Who Flew High and Three Who Were Grounded
Calvin Ridley – Wide Receiver
In recent weeks Calvin Ridley had seemed to hit a rookie wall. He had dropped a pass in four of his last five games and had not scored in three weeks entering the Atlanta Falcons battle with the Carolina Panthers.
Calvin righted the ship against Carolina. He was targeted only five times, but caught three passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. More importantly he did not drop as pass for the first time in three weeks. Matt Ryan posted a quarterback rating of 143.8 when throwing the ball to Calvin.
Ridley’s touchdown was a big play 75 yard scamper, on the Falcons first offensive play of the second half. He got a free release off the line and up the left sideline, then raced past a Carolina cornerback and a safety for the score. All three of Ridley’s catches were big, as the two that didn’t go for a touchdown, both earned first downs for Atlanta.
It was a nice bounce back game for Calvin Ridley. The rookie has a bright future.
Pro Football Focus Grade: 70.8
ATL All Day Grade: B –
Julio Jones – Wide Receiver
Julio Jones gutted out a gritty performance against the Carolina Panthers. Jones was battling sore ribs and was clearly in pain every time he absorbed contact in the contest. He went to the sideline after every catch, and was limited to just 25 snaps on the afternoon.
Jones made the most of his limited snaps. He was targeted five times and caught four passes for 28 yards and a touchdown. Three of the four catches rang up first downs for Atlanta. His longest reception was 11 yards and Matt Ryan had a QB-rating of 129.6 when making Jones his target.
Julio Jones’ touchdown was the opening score for Atlanta. It was a one yard catch on a crossing route ran in the back of the end zone.
The touchdown reception was number seven on the season for Julio. After not scoring for the first seven weeks of the season, Julio has now scored for three consecutive games and six of the last eight.
I’m not quite sure why Julio Jones even played in this game, as much as he appeared to be in pain, but the gritty performance personifies who Julio is as a player.