Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been a difference-maker since being drafted in 2018, racking up 127 catches, 1,687 yards and 17 touchdowns in less than two full seasons of work.
Ridley has lived up to the hype thus far, but the third-year wideout has bigger goals for himself this year.
Talking with reporters on Tuesday, Ridley said he believed he would become an elite receiver and that 1,000 yards in 2020 was an achievable goal, as tweeted by William McFadden:
Calvin Ridley says he's hungry to show people he's "easily a 1,000-yard receiver. Easily"
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) August 4, 2020
Calvin Ridley: "I should be elite this year."
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) August 4, 2020
The former Alabama standout isn’t just talking, either. Ridley said he bought a personal jugs machine for his house and has been working to improve on his route running.
Calvin Ridley says he's working to improve his leg strength hoping to improve his cuts and route running. He also bought a jugs machine for the house.
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) August 4, 2020
Just how good can Ridley become? It’s tough to know while he is playing in the shadow of All-Pro WR Julio Jones.
Ridley said he is following in the footsteps of Jones, and wants to be as good as Atlanta’s No. 1 receiver one day.
Calvin Ridley on playing with Julio Jones: "I just follow his steps. I want to be as good as him."
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) August 4, 2020
Playing in the Falcons’ pass-happy offense with TE Austin Hooper no longer on the team, Ridley should have the chance to make good on his word this season.
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