Ridley ties franchise rookie touchdown record

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.