Atlanta Falcons: 3 Bold predictions for Calvin Ridley in 2018
By Derek Snyder
2. Ridley will finish with, at least, 10 touchdown receptions
After tossing an extremely impressive 38 touchdowns in 2016, Matt Ryan only threw 20 measly touchdowns in 2017. While most of that can be attributed to Steve Sarkisian being unfamiliar with the team’s personnel, it was clear the Atlanta Falcons struggled mightily to get the football into the end-zone. Heck, some might say that was the difference between them repeating as conference champions and falling to the Eagles in the Divisional Round.
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Just going back and watching Ridley’s tape from Alabama, the kid knows how to make defenders miss and take the football to the house. Other than Julio Jones, the Falcons don’t have another receiver who has that type of footwork and breakaway speed. Now with Taylor Gabriel out of the picture, Atlanta has a young player who has the ceiling of an elite player who can thrive in the slot.
In all honesty, Ridley will thrive in both outside and slot positions for the Atlanta Falcons, but I believe he’ll catch most of this touchdowns while playing inside. Again, just look at his tape from college, Ridley was lethal playing in the slot.
However, the biggest key to Ridley finishing with double-digit touchdown receptions is how early he and Matt Ryan can connect. If those two can get going in the first month of the season — good luck, NFC South.