Falcons Set For Reunion With Jaguars WR Calvin Ridley

When the Atlanta Falcons travel across the pond, they will face off with a familiar face in Jacksonville Jaguars star receiver Calvin Ridley.

Who could've imagined that it would take just three weeks before the Atlanta Falcons face their former star wide-out, Calvin Ridley? After being away from the football field for over a year due to a suspension for violating the NFL's gambling policy and recovering from an injury, the Falcons traded Ridley to the Jacksonville Jaguars this past offseason. 

Now, the two sides will be reunited as the Falcons and Jaguars travel across the pond in the first of three games to be held inside Wembley Stadium.

"I appreciate the time I got to spend with Calvin, ..." Falcons coach Arthur Smith said about Ridley in the leadup to Sunday's game. "It makes you feel good to see guys back out there doing what they love."

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) can t haul in a reception against Houston Texans linebacker Blake Cashman (53) during the first quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Houston Texans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 37-17. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] / USA Today

Ridley's return to the field made it seem like the yearlong absence didn't happen as he totaled eight catches for 101 yards and a touchdown in the Jaguars' season-opening win over the Indianapolis Colts.

However, Ridley's production has dropped in the last two games since his season debut, as he has only recorded 72 yards on five receptions. Maybe it is a coincidence, but the Jaguars lost each of those games to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 and the Houston Texans most recently. 

Despite the recent drop in production, the Falcons' defense will still have to find ways to stop Ridley and the Jaguars' passing game from getting hot. Luckily, the Falcons secondary, which includes one of their prized free-agent signings, safety Jessie Bates, has played at a high level so far. 

Through three games, Atlanta's secondary ranks among the league's best, allowing the fourth-fewest passing yards per game at 170 yards while ranking No. 8 for interception percentage at 3.13 percent. 

Kickoff between the Falcons and Jaguars is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. (EST) due to them being across the pond.