WATFORD, England – Without Calvin Ridley or Russell Gage, quarterback Matt Ryan is expecting the team’s other receivers to contribute when the Falcons (1-3) face the New York Jets (1-3) at 9:30 a.m. EDT Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
The Falcons arrived early Friday around 6:25 a.m. after flying through the night. The team then traveled to a countryside 300-acre resort, The Grove, about an hour outside of London for team meetings and a practice.
Ridley did not travel with the team for personal reasons, and Gage has missed the past two games with an ankle injury.
“Obviously, it’s tough when you don’t have all of your guys,” Ryan said Friday. “But Calvin and Russell Gage for us are talented players and have been really productive. But I think when you’re out there, it’s different because a lot of where the ball goes is dictated off of how coverage is played. So, you’ve got to trust the guys that are out there and that they are going to be in the right spots.”
Olamide Zaccheaus has been starting for Gage. He had a couple of tough catches in the win over the New York Giants, but had a glaring drop against Washington last week. He’s caught six of 13 targets for 69 yards and a touchdown.
The Falcons have Tajae Sharpe and Christian Blake listed behind Ridley are their official depth chart.
Also, rookie Frank Darby will make his NFL debut against the Jets, according to coach Arthur Smith. He was active last week against Washington, but did not play.
“We’re lucky we have been using a lot of different people throughout the year,” Ryan said. “The ball has been finding different guys throughout the year. We have a number of guys who are ready to go. We just have to focus in the next two days and make sure that we are prepared and ready for the game on Sunday.”
Blake is in his third season with the Falcons, but mostly has played on special teams. He has played in 29 games and made three starts.
“I think he’s done a nice job in the past for us when he’s had to step up and play,” Ryan said. “I have complete confidence in him.”
Sharpe, who’s in his first season with the Falcons, has played in 55 NFL games and made 29 starts. He has made 96 career catches for 1,196 yards and eight touchdowns.
“Tajae has done a nice job for us this year,” Ryan said. “The ball found him in a critical situation in the New York (Giants) game. It was a huge third-down conversion for us, plus he’s a guy who’s played a ton in Tennessee and is very comfortable with the system. I think he’s does a great job.”
The Falcons also have three wide receivers on the practice squad in Juwan Green, Keelan Doss and Austin Trammell.
“If Juwan gets a chance, I think Juwan has worked really hard in the few years he’s been here,” Ryan said. “He’ll take full advantage of the opportunity.”
The Falcons also could lean more on running back and former wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.
“He’s done a great job for us in the first four games,” Ryan said. “He’s made a ton of plays both in the run game and pass game. He’s a talented player, a bit of a throwback, kind of an old school-type player. He does a little bit of everything.
“It’s fun to be around guys that are that competitive and want the ball and want to make plays. I hope he can continue to be as effective for us as he’s been in the first four games.”
Running back Mike Davis believes Zaccheaus and Sharpe will be up to the task.
“Olamide Zaccheaus is ready,” Davis said. “He’s been going full speed since the day I first saw him. Tajae is another playmaker. Whenever his number is called, he makes the big catches.”
The Bow Tie Chronicles
For more content about The Atlanta Falcons
Follow me on Twitter @DOrlandoAJC
On Facebook at Atlanta Falcons News Now
Atlanta Falcons coverage on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons’ 2021 schedule features trip to London, January trip to Buffalo
Falcons schedule
Washington FT 34, Falcons 30
New York Jets vs. Falcons in London, Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m.
Bye Week
Falcons at Dolphins, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m.
About the Author
