WATCH: Calvin Ridley scores first NFL TD, ends Falcons red zone drought
The well-documented problems for the Atlanta Falcons offense inside the 20-yard line got a bit of a respite in the first half on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
Former Alabama star WR Calvin Ridley scored his first NFL touchdown when he beat LSU rookie Donte Jackson with a little more than four minutes to play in the first half. The score tied the game at 10. Ridley’s first NFL catch was a nine-yarder earlier in the first half.
Ridley was a first-round pick for the Falcons, 26th overall, in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The score was welcome relief after Atlanta scored on just one of five trips in their season-opening loss at Philadelphia. It was an issue of considerable angst since it was also a problem last season, especially in the playoffs. Against the Eagles, they came away with no points three times and managed a short field goal on another.
Given Ridley’s catch, this will at least offer a temporary sigh of relief for the coaching staff and fans.
Calvin Ridley scores his 1st NFL TD pic.twitter.com/yzAW4y2Jt1
— Carlton (@SlopingGiraffe) September 16, 2018