It is no secret that the Atlanta Falcons have struggled to find their rhythm on offense to start the 2019 NFL season. Among the notable concerns has been the minimal role for wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
Ridley has seldom had his number called up through the first three games of the year. According to D. Orlando Ledbetter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter feels the Falcons must get him more involved on offense:
“We have to find ways to get Rid (Calvin Ridley) more involved,” Falcons OC Dirk Koetter. They were playing a lot of cover two, doubling both outside WRs
The Falcons made quite an investment in Ridley when they took him with the 26th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Fortunately, he quickly managed to establish himself as a bonafide touchdown threat by setting an NFL record for most touchdowns for a rookie in his first four games (6 TDs).
As a result, expectations were higher than ever for Ridley coming into the 2019 campaign. He seemingly managed to pick up where he left off with a stellar 100-yard performance in Week 2. However, he was a non-factor in the loss versus the Indianapolis Colts, finishing with just one reception for six yards.
Perhaps even more concerning is the fact that quarterback Matt Ryan did not even attempt to look his way after going the entire first half without a target. Although it is encouraging to see Koetter acknowledge the need to get Ridley more involved, this could be much easier said than done with the plethora of talent they have in the receiving corps and the backfield.
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