Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Ridley ties franchise rookie touchdown record

Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Credit: Streeter Lecka

Credit: Streeter Lecka

Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
By
Dec 23, 2018

On the first play of the third quarter, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan tossed a 75-yard touchdown run to rookie wide receiver Calvin Ridley to take a 17-10 lead over the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday.

It was Ridley’s ninth touchdown catch of the season and tied the franchise mark set by tight end Junior Miller in 1980. Ridley did not have a touchdown catch in the previous three games. He last caught a touchdown pass against the Saints on Nov. 22.

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

Follow D. Orlando Ledbetter on facebookFollow D. Orlando Ledbetter on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

After rushing for 24 yards on 12 carries in the season-opening loss to the Buccaneers, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson ran for 143 yards on 22 carries against the Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Mike Stewart/AP)

Credit: AP

What the Falcons had to say after the 22-6 win over the Vikings

Atlanta players sound off on getting their first win, their new kicker’s spectacular debut, the success of their offensive line and running game and more.

28m ago

Falcons’ Raheem Morris: ‘Those two young rushers set us off with a bunch of energy’

"I can’t say enough about those young guys. I can’t say enough about what they’ve done. They want to know how to play football every single day, says Coach Morris.

2h ago

Falcons’ Michael Penix on Bijan Robinson: ‘He’s the best running back in this league’

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. talks about the 22-6 win over the Vikings on Sunday.

The Latest

After rushing for 24 yards on 12 carries in the season-opening loss to the Buccaneers, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson ran for 143 yards on 22 carries against the Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Mike Stewart/AP)

Credit: AP

What the Falcons had to say after the 22-6 win over the Vikings

28m ago

Falcons’ Raheem Morris: ‘Those two young rushers set us off with a bunch of energy’

2h ago

Falcons’ Michael Penix on Bijan Robinson: ‘He’s the best running back in this league’

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com

A Braves fan took a ball to the face. The team may be liable, judges say.

The Atlanta Braves and former right fielder Jorge Soler face a lawsuit by a fan hit in the eye with a ball during a World Series game at Truist Park in 2021.

Joro spiders multiply across Georgia, spinning their pesky webs

The invasive species has multiplied rapidly in Atlanta in the last three years, research shows.

Ford settles billion-dollar Georgia lawsuits over fatal wrecks

Ford Motor Co. has settled two Georgia lawsuits that elicited record-setting jury verdicts of $1.7 billion and $2.5 billion, ending more than a decade of litigation.