Atlanta Falcons: Studs and duds vs. Panthers in Week 11
Stud: Calvin Ridley
Calvin Ridley stepped up big for Atlanta in the passing attack and helped pace the Falcons offense throughout the game and especially in the opening half of play. The wide receiver finished the game in Week 11 with 143 yards receiving on eight catches and eight total targets, also grabbing one touchdown in the game.
With the absence of Atlanta tight end Austin Hooper and the void in the running game with Devonta Freeman also out in the game, Ridley and teammate Julio Jones were viewed as two players that would need to step up and shine in the game for the Falcons in a tough road contest.
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Ridley was able to do just that and helped assist Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and the rest of the offense in getting things rolling on the offensive side of the ball while opening up the passing game. It will be key for Ridley to be able to build off of this performance moving forward for the remainder of the season here in 2019.
Dud: Rushing attack
Atlanta was without star running back Devonta Freeman in the game while he continues to battle back from an injury suffered in last week’s win over the Saints, forcing Brian Hill to lead things in the running attack.
In the victory, the running game was less than stellar although it didn’t ultimately matter while the Falcons cruised to another win on the road. Atlanta managed to tally just 54 yards rushing on the ground with a total of 26 rushing attempts and one rushing touchdown. Hill led the way for the Falcons in the running attack, totaling 15 carries for 30 yards.
It will be interesting to see if Freeman will be able to return to the field for Atlanta next weekend to try and held the Falcons extend their winning streak to three in a row back at home.