WR Calvin Ridley, TEN (5 Viewers)

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Every time I bench him he goes off. He’s 2023 Gabe Davis.

Fortunately I murdered my opponent, but I might have to bench Chase for him next week.

I FINALLY benched Ridley. Needless to say, would have won if I stuck with him.

Fortunately I’m up by 90 and my opponent has a K & a D/ST.

But I’ll be starting Ridley here on out.

 

[menobrown]

Not saying this after the fact but everything pointed to this being a good game for him. I started him in all the redraft leagues I have him, did sit him in one dynasty league that's deep but otherwise was playing him.

The matchup was ideal in that the Titans are one of the worst teams defending outside boundary WR's. Only negative in the matchup was possible game script leading them to take the air out of the ball later.

As discussed he's helped by Zay Jones playing. (which is 100% on the coaching staff for that needing to take place to help him, amateur hour stuff)

The heat was getting turned up on Taylor and Pederson for his use. When they won, people let it slide or just found his use curious, when they got the crap knocked out of them last week Taylor found himself in front of a podium last week defending his utilization of Ridley. I actually think this stuff matters just based on general observation, especially when less established coaches are taking media/fan heat for how they use a player.

Lastly I seem to have faced him almost every place I don't have him, always a sure formula.

So just about everything was in place for him this week. Saying all that he's not graduated to must start status every week, but I like his matchup next week where he'll be ina all my lineups and then we'll see.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Not saying this after the fact but everything pointed to this being a good game for him. I started him in all the redraft leagues I have him, did sit him in one dynasty league that's deep but otherwise was playing him.

The matchup was ideal in that the Titans are one of the worst teams defending outside boundary WR's. Only negative in the matchup was possible game script leading them to take the air out of the ball later.

As discussed he's helped by Zay Jones playing. (which is 100% on the coaching staff for that needing to take place to help him, amateur hour stuff)

The heat was getting turned up on Taylor and Pederson for his use. When they won, people let it slide or just found his use curious, when they got the crap knocked out of them last week Taylor found himself in front of a podium last week defending his utilization of Ridley. I actually think this stuff matters just based on general observation, especially when less established coaches are taking media/fan heat for how they use a player.

Lastly I seem to have faced him almost every place I don't have him, always a sure formula.

So just about everything was in place for him this week. Saying all that he's not graduated to must start status every week, but I like his matchup next week where he'll be ina all my lineups and then we'll see.

Counterpoint: TLaw hadnt thrown multiple TDs for most of his games this year, and his history agains the Titans hasn’t been great. Also I had some questions about whether TEN would be able to score enough to force JAX to throw as much as they did.

It also seemed counterintuitive that the return of Zay Jones would help, rather than hinder Ridley - especially in light of the season long slump TLaw has been in. Only so many targets/TD to go around.

It didn’t stop me from rolling out TLaw in a SF, but in a redraft where I have Chase, Lamb, ARSB, Ridley, & Nico, I leaned Nico.

I think there were a few legit concerns. Thankfully it didn’t cost me the game, but Ridley has been wildly inconsistent. Hopefully like last year the Jags have found their rhythm & will put up big numbers ROS.

 

[jobarules]

Not saying this after the fact but everything pointed to this being a good game for him. I started him in all the redraft leagues I have him, did sit him in one dynasty league that's deep but otherwise was playing him.

The matchup was ideal in that the Titans are one of the worst teams defending outside boundary WR's. Only negative in the matchup was possible game script leading them to take the air out of the ball later.

As discussed he's helped by Zay Jones playing. (which is 100% on the coaching staff for that needing to take place to help him, amateur hour stuff)

The heat was getting turned up on Taylor and Pederson for his use. When they won, people let it slide or just found his use curious, when they got the crap knocked out of them last week Taylor found himself in front of a podium last week defending his utilization of Ridley. I actually think this stuff matters just based on general observation, especially when less established coaches are taking media/fan heat for how they use a player.

Lastly I seem to have faced him almost every place I don't have him, always a sure formula.

So just about everything was in place for him this week. Saying all that he's not graduated to must start status every week, but I like his matchup next week where he'll be ina all my lineups and then we'll see.

20/20 hindsight and all. I knew Titans were a good matchup for WRs but I read this and decided to FINALLY bench him.

Ridley has been boom or bust all year. He has three games as a WR3 or higher, but also Ridley has five games in which he has failed to surpass eight fantasy points. Ridley is 15th in deep targets, but he only has five red zone targets this season. Since Week 6, the Titans have utilized two-high at the tenth-highest rate (52.1%). Against two-high, Ridley's target share has fallen to 12.4% with a 27.9% air-yard share with 1.31 YPRR and a 16.0% first read share. Ridley has already faced the top-three teams in two-high rates since Week 6 (KC, HOU, ATL), and against them he averaged 36.6 receiving yards with only one touchdown. Week 11 Positional Value: WR3/4
Derek Brown - FantasyPros4 days ago

 

[menobrown]

20/20 hindsight and all. I knew Titans were a good matchup for WRs but I read this and decided to FINALLY bench him.

Guess depends who you listen to and what stats they use to craft a narrative. This is a great example of how you can play with stats because this could be painted in multiple ways. But this some of the info I read and I'd add I don't give a lot of people props and rarely read or listen to fantasy podcasts/articles but this guy has a free article that drops every Thursday or Friday and I don't miss it.

Jaguars (23.5 points) -- The Titans have the second-highest opponent first-read target rate (77.9%) and the highest opponent "out wide" target rate. Tennessee's opponent passer rating on deep passes is the seventh-highest. This feels like a Calvin Ridley spot. Ridley's first-read target rate has shrunk as the year's gone on, but in three matchups against defenses ranked in the top-12 in "out wide" target rate, he has a team-high 34% first-read target rate.

https://twitter.com/jagibbs_23/status/1725592281099493855

 

[Birdie048]

If you caught the write up on TLaw's poor numbers, you might have noticed some of the Ridley PI (8 IIRC) issues that went on also. Just because we don't get yards/points on the PI calls does not mean he is not valuable to the team's play scheme.
I have played him most weeks but as a rebuild, I don't mind this year....

 

[urbanhack]

Gotta love the NFL....Jones is arrested on domestic battery earlier in the week and then is out there suiting up. What a joke

 

[Biabreakable]

Not saying this after the fact but everything pointed to this being a good game for him. I started him in all the redraft leagues I have him, did sit him in one dynasty league that's deep but otherwise was playing him.

The matchup was ideal in that the Titans are one of the worst teams defending outside boundary WR's. Only negative in the matchup was possible game script leading them to take the air out of the ball later.

As discussed he's helped by Zay Jones playing. (which is 100% on the coaching staff for that needing to take place to help him, amateur hour stuff)

The heat was getting turned up on Taylor and Pederson for his use. When they won, people let it slide or just found his use curious, when they got the crap knocked out of them last week Taylor found himself in front of a podium last week defending his utilization of Ridley. I actually think this stuff matters just based on general observation, especially when less established coaches are taking media/fan heat for how they use a player.

Lastly I seem to have faced him almost every place I don't have him, always a sure formula.

So just about everything was in place for him this week. Saying all that he's not graduated to must start status every week, but I like his matchup next week where he'll be ina all my lineups and then we'll see.

It also seemed counterintuitive that the return of Zay Jones would help, rather than hinder Ridley - especially in light of the season long slump TLaw has been in. Only so many targets/TD to go around.

Well it's not when you consider 3 level route concepts almost every NFL team uses.

Zay Jones running the deep clear out routes (with some comeback routes) Ridley was being forced to run without Jones in there frees Ridley up for mote varied route tree, I presume usually being the mid level target while Kirk is running near level routes.

This frees up Ridley to become the 1st read more often than before for Lawrence who has been getting rid of the ball quickly, and not really holding the ball long enough for the deep level routes to develop.

Thus Lawrence has the option of hitting Ridley on higher percentage throws for more yards than Kirk or check down to Kirk if Ridley is not available/open.

Jones by default is drawing a defender away from Ridley who was getting more attention without Jones from defenders.

Should Jones win a deep route that ends up freeing up attention on Ridley even more.

It's not so much about the volume of targets as the quality of winnable targets here and the priority of Lawrence's read progressions.

Before Lawrence was not even looking at Ridley much because he is running a route Lawrence does not want.

With Jones back now Ridley becomes the first read because it has more chunk yard potential than Kirk or Engrams routes and it develops quickly enough for Lawrence to still check down to Kirk or Engram if it's not open.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Not saying this after the fact but everything pointed to this being a good game for him. I started him in all the redraft leagues I have him, did sit him in one dynasty league that's deep but otherwise was playing him.

The matchup was ideal in that the Titans are one of the worst teams defending outside boundary WR's. Only negative in the matchup was possible game script leading them to take the air out of the ball later.

As discussed he's helped by Zay Jones playing. (which is 100% on the coaching staff for that needing to take place to help him, amateur hour stuff)

The heat was getting turned up on Taylor and Pederson for his use. When they won, people let it slide or just found his use curious, when they got the crap knocked out of them last week Taylor found himself in front of a podium last week defending his utilization of Ridley. I actually think this stuff matters just based on general observation, especially when less established coaches are taking media/fan heat for how they use a player.

Lastly I seem to have faced him almost every place I don't have him, always a sure formula.

So just about everything was in place for him this week. Saying all that he's not graduated to must start status every week, but I like his matchup next week where he'll be ina all my lineups and then we'll see.

It also seemed counterintuitive that the return of Zay Jones would help, rather than hinder Ridley - especially in light of the season long slump TLaw has been in. Only so many targets/TD to go around.

Well it's not when you consider 3 level route concepts almost every NFL team uses.

Zay Jones running the deep clear out routes (with some comeback routes) Ridley was being forced to run without Jones in there frees Ridley up for mote varied route tree, I presume usually being the mid level target while Kirk is running near level routes.

This frees up Ridley to become the 1st read more often than before for Lawrence who has been getting rid of the ball quickly, and not really holding the ball long enough for the deep level routes to develop.

Thus Lawrence has the option of hitting Ridley on higher percentage throws for more yards than Kirk or check down to Kirk if Ridley is not available/open.

Jones by default is drawing a defender away from Ridley who was getting more attention without Jones from defenders.

Should Jones win a deep route that ends up freeing up attention on Ridley even more.

It's not so much about the volume of targets as the quality of winnable targets here and the priority of Lawrence's read progressions.

Before Lawrence was not even looking at Ridley much because he is running a route Lawrence does not want.

With Jones back now Ridley becomes the first read because it has more chunk yard potential than Kirk or Engrams routes and it develops quickly enough for Lawrence to still check down to Kirk or Engram if it's not open.

Makes sense - where were you on Saturday when I was setting my lineup?

 

[Faust]

John Shipley
Calvin Ridley has 3 100-yard games this year.

All have come in weeks that Zay Jones plays.

https://x.com/_john_shipley/status/1726341189539090650?s=61

Calvin Ridley this year in the four games Zay Jones has played: 24 catches for 358 yards and 3 touchdowns

Calvin Ridley in the 7 other other games: 18 catches for 216 yards and one touchdown.

https://x.com/_john_shipley/status/1726341877727625389?s=61

 

[Biabreakable]

Not saying this after the fact but everything pointed to this being a good game for him. I started him in all the redraft leagues I have him, did sit him in one dynasty league that's deep but otherwise was playing him.

The matchup was ideal in that the Titans are one of the worst teams defending outside boundary WR's. Only negative in the matchup was possible game script leading them to take the air out of the ball later.

As discussed he's helped by Zay Jones playing. (which is 100% on the coaching staff for that needing to take place to help him, amateur hour stuff)

The heat was getting turned up on Taylor and Pederson for his use. When they won, people let it slide or just found his use curious, when they got the crap knocked out of them last week Taylor found himself in front of a podium last week defending his utilization of Ridley. I actually think this stuff matters just based on general observation, especially when less established coaches are taking media/fan heat for how they use a player.

Lastly I seem to have faced him almost every place I don't have him, always a sure formula.

So just about everything was in place for him this week. Saying all that he's not graduated to must start status every week, but I like his matchup next week where he'll be ina all my lineups and then we'll see.

It also seemed counterintuitive that the return of Zay Jones would help, rather than hinder Ridley - especially in light of the season long slump TLaw has been in. Only so many targets/TD to go around.

Well it's not when you consider 3 level route concepts almost every NFL team uses.

Zay Jones running the deep clear out routes (with some comeback routes) Ridley was being forced to run without Jones in there frees Ridley up for mote varied route tree, I presume usually being the mid level target while Kirk is running near level routes.

This frees up Ridley to become the 1st read more often than before for Lawrence who has been getting rid of the ball quickly, and not really holding the ball long enough for the deep level routes to develop.

Thus Lawrence has the option of hitting Ridley on higher percentage throws for more yards than Kirk or check down to Kirk if Ridley is not available/open.

Jones by default is drawing a defender away from Ridley who was getting more attention without Jones from defenders.

Should Jones win a deep route that ends up freeing up attention on Ridley even more.

It's not so much about the volume of targets as the quality of winnable targets here and the priority of Lawrence's read progressions.

Before Lawrence was not even looking at Ridley much because he is running a route Lawrence does not want.

With Jones back now Ridley becomes the first read because it has more chunk yard potential than Kirk or Engrams routes and it develops quickly enough for Lawrence to still check down to Kirk or Engram if it's not open.

Makes sense - where were you on Saturday when I was setting my lineup?

Sorry.

I was worried about the Vikings playing Mattison or not.

I only have Ridley in best ball so I don't have to worry about these things with him.

 

[TampaMike19]

It’s absurd that he has to rely on another player playing to have good games. Either awful coaching or sample size is still too low

 

[tricky92]

It’s absurd that he has to rely on another player playing to have good games. Either awful coaching or sample size is still too low

It's purely a scheme thing, and not deviating from it. Ridley runs the low percentage routes that Zay Jones runs when Zay is out.
I don't think it's a matter of Ridley relying on anyone... but the coaches having a plan and sticking to it.

 

[Biabreakable]

It’s absurd that he has to rely on another player playing to have good games. Either awful coaching or sample size is still too low

It's purely a scheme thing, and not deviating from it. Ridley runs the low percentage routes that Zay Jones runs when Zay is out.
I don't think it's a matter of Ridley relying on anyone... but the coaches having a plan and sticking to it.

Correct.

What I said about 3 level route concepts applies to any and all teams. They all do it. It's good. It allows the QB to read the defense and choose the best option.

The best option is usually not the player on the deep level of that and it makes the QB hold the ball longer if they do want that option. Even on the come back it still takes time to sell the go before coming back to the QB.

Of course teams can change things up more than the Jaguars have been doing and be less predictable.

For example they could have Engram run the deep level instead of Ridley. The Vikings had Hockenson run the deep post for a TD vs the Saints. This is a route that normally Jefferson would run, or Osborn, but since they didn't have either of them Hockenson got the assignment and Dobbs can buy some time for it to develop.

The Jaguars may feel that Kirk and Engram are not well suited for that. They are slower players. That's not how they win. Who cares though when Lawrence is not going to throw to the deep level anyways?

They could change things up and confuse the defense, but they don't.

There are route combinations that don't have anyone going deep as well. Their game plan is really uptight and uncreative.

 

[zamboni]

So essentially Ridley owners are banking on Zay Jones further running afoul of the law.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

So essentially Ridley owners are banking on Zay Jones further running afoul of the law.

No, at this point he's run afoul exactly as much as needed. If he goes further afoul he might be in jail & thus not drawing coverage.

 

[dickey moe]

I sat him for Diontae

Same here.

 

[Biabreakable]

So essentially Ridley owners are banking on Zay Jones further running afoul of the law.

I'm guessing you mean not?

It's not like Zay Jones is some super star the Jaguars need to unlock Ridley. They could have anyone run those deep clear out routes.

But instead they had Ridley doing that when Jones was out and Lawrence didn't target him much.

It's bad football in my opinion but if Jones is out again maybe that's what they go back to again.

Then Kirk eats because Lawrence wants to get the ball out quickly and isn't looking for Ridley from the X WR position enough most likely. At least that's what they have shown us for the most part so far.

No idea why someone else on Jaguars roster could not take that role.

 

[zamboni]

I'm guessing you mean not?

Correct - my bad

 

[travdogg]

So essentially Ridley owners are banking on Zay Jones further running afoul of the law.

I'm guessing you mean not?

It's not like Zay Jones is some super star the Jaguars need to unlock Ridley. They could have anyone run those deep clear out routes.

But instead they had Ridley doing that when Jones was out and Lawrence didn't target him much.

It's bad football in my opinion but if Jones is out again maybe that's what they go back to again.

Then Kirk eats because Lawrence wants to get the ball out quickly and isn't looking for Ridley from the X WR position enough most likely. At least that's what they have shown us for the most part so far.

No idea why someone else on Jaguars roster could not take that role.

Really wonder why say, Jamal Agnew or whoever can't just run clearout routes instead of arguably your best WR? Seems like really awful coaching/playcalling. On the other hand, it makes the Jags offensive ceiling pretty interesting if they can figure out how to not screw up an easy thing.

 

[Biabreakable]

So essentially Ridley owners are banking on Zay Jones further running afoul of the law.

I'm guessing you mean not?

It's not like Zay Jones is some super star the Jaguars need to unlock Ridley. They could have anyone run those deep clear out routes.

But instead they had Ridley doing that when Jones was out and Lawrence didn't target him much.

It's bad football in my opinion but if Jones is out again maybe that's what they go back to again.

Then Kirk eats because Lawrence wants to get the ball out quickly and isn't looking for Ridley from the X WR position enough most likely. At least that's what they have shown us for the most part so far.

No idea why someone else on Jaguars roster could not take that role.

Really wonder why say, Jamal Agnew or whoever can't just run clearout routes instead of arguably your best WR? Seems like really awful coaching/playcalling. On the other hand, it makes the Jags offensive ceiling pretty interesting if they can figure out how to not screw up an easy thing.

Yeah well I think there are a lot more routes they could be having Ridley run from that position than they have. That's more the befuddling aspect of this.

Lots of teams do have their best WR play X but they have that player run more than go and comeback routes.

I haven't watched the Jaguars much to know exactly what they have been doing. I just saw the target map Menobrown shared and that's ugly. Nothing over the middle at all. Just boundary plays.

Part of it is about the offensive line giving Lawrence enough time for that stuff to develop too.

Week one they went to Jones and Ridley a lot and not much to Kirk, but then never back to that.

It's weird to me.

 

[bcat01]

Every time I bench him he goes off. He’s 2023 Gabe Davis.

Fortunately I murdered my opponent, but I might have to bench Chase for him next week.

I FINALLY benched Ridley. Needless to say, would have won if I stuck with him.

Same here

 

[TommyKramer9]

What are the chances he continues to produce the rest of the season? Was this just a fluke? Are we going to see more 2-20-0 games ahead? i don't expect 100 yards and 2 TD's every week, but it would be nice to see some consistent usage out of him. Ridley is still a very talented player and can get it done if the team uses him right. He was shining above everyone during training camp! If we could just eliminate those games where he's practically non existent and turn those into 4-50-0 instead it would give me hope that he'll continue to get chances to produce. There's no reason he should ever have games where he only gets 2 or 3 targets again! If he does, then the Jaguars don't know WTF they are doing!

 

[TampaMike19]

Back to his old tricks I see!

 

[Timmay]

I can't figure this guy out. I sat him the last 2 weeks when he went off, started him every other week before those 2 weeks and this week. I'll keep everyone posted when I play or don't play him. Everyone should do the opposite.

 

[SoBeDad]

Ridley is not quite as good as we thought he was and there are many other good receiving options in JAX. With a backup QB, he's in the same situation as Higgins and Cooper.

 

[Ridgeback]

If the one big play wouldn't have been called back due to a lineman holding, his numbers would have been decent. There was no lack of effort on his part.

 

[Timmay]

If the one big play wouldn't have been called back due to a lineman holding, his numbers would have been decent. There was no lack of effort on his part.

Very true and I do like that the Jags got him involved in 3 different end arounds albeit 2 of those he got blown up or lost yards.

 

[Biabreakable]

@BobbyLayne I wonder if you maybe have time to share the route type combinations and target data I have seen you post at times about other WR groups for the Jaguars?

As I think such information might be enlightening.

I did notice you post something about Parker Washington who has now emerged out of nowhere as a result of Kirk being injured I believe?

So maybe you have some interest in this passing game that you did not before.

If I had access to the data you have I would do this myself. But I do not.

This passing game has been a bit of a enigma to me all season, although I did see some target maps earlier on this season that seemed to explain it somewhat.

I wonder if this theory about Zay Jones being active freeing up Ridley to run more winnable routes holds up or not?

Based on the results of last night's game it does not seem to. Basically all other recievers than Ridley got more targets.

 

[menobrown]

If the one big play wouldn't have been called back due to a lineman holding, his numbers would have been decent. There was no lack of effort on his part.

Very true and I do like that the Jags got him involved in 3 different end arounds albeit 2 of those he got blown up or lost yards.

I hate it.

It's not worked well most of the year, just gets him blown up on to many hits and does not score a lot of fantasy points.,

But why I really hate it is when they normally start giving him carries it's because they can't get the ball in his hands as a receiver. And that's because they still don't know how to use him and seem insistent that despite him not being overly fast or tall his best use is a boundary deep threat, basically the hardest routes to get the ball. Combine that with a QB who is a heavy first read passer and the scheme is designed for the easier stuff for Engram and Kirk and that's why this has been a frustrating ride all year.

 

[TommyKramer9]

If the one big play wouldn't have been called back due to a lineman holding, his numbers would have been decent. There was no lack of effort on his part.

Very true and I do like that the Jags got him involved in 3 different end arounds albeit 2 of those he got blown up or lost yards.

I hate it.

It's not worked well most of the year, just gets him blown up on to many hits and does not score a lot of fantasy points.,

But why I really hate it is when they normally start giving him carries it's because they can't get the ball in his hands as a receiver. And that's because they still don't know how to use him and seem insistent that despite him not being overly fast or tall his best use is a boundary deep threat, basically the hardest routes to get the ball. Combine that with a QB who is a heavy first read passer and the scheme is designed for the easier stuff for Engram and Kirk and that's why this has been a frustrating ride all year.

How hard is it for a coach to ask the player. "Hey Calvin, what do you think is the best way to use your talents? In what way do you think you excel the most? If you're honest with yourself, what are your strong points and weak points?" This is how I manage my employees and I play to their strengths while trying to help them get better at their weaknesses. This coaching staff is going with the predetermined plan regardless if it plays to their teams strengths or not.

 

[menobrown]

If the one big play wouldn't have been called back due to a lineman holding, his numbers would have been decent. There was no lack of effort on his part.

Very true and I do like that the Jags got him involved in 3 different end arounds albeit 2 of those he got blown up or lost yards.

I hate it.

It's not worked well most of the year, just gets him blown up on to many hits and does not score a lot of fantasy points.,

But why I really hate it is when they normally start giving him carries it's because they can't get the ball in his hands as a receiver. And that's because they still don't know how to use him and seem insistent that despite him not being overly fast or tall his best use is a boundary deep threat, basically the hardest routes to get the ball. Combine that with a QB who is a heavy first read passer and the scheme is designed for the easier stuff for Engram and Kirk and that's why this has been a frustrating ride all year.

How hard is it for a coach to ask the player. "Hey Calvin, what do you think is the best way to use your talents? In what way do you think you excel the most? If you're honest with yourself, what are your strong points and weak points?" This is how I manage my employees and I play to their strengths while trying to help them get better at their weaknesses. This coaching staff is going with the predetermined plan regardless if it plays to their teams strengths or not.

Yes that's what they should do but I think they view Ridley as more of a one year rental, Engram and Kirk signed past this year, and they are more focused on how Ridley helps them and the team then caring about putting Ridley in the best possible spots for him.

Ridley never seems to complain and I've seen him baited by reporters on his role and he won't take it. He did want to go to Jacksonville so maybe he's just being real mature about knowing he made this bed. Maybe he realizes when he hits UFA this off-season, considering how his time in Atlanta ended, that he can't really afford a "bad look". But I think he's just kind of really professional and I so wish for once a player I pull for was NOT, wish he's throw a tantrum and demand to be used different but just don't think he wants go there.

 

[Mongidig]

If the one big play wouldn't have been called back due to a lineman holding, his numbers would have been decent. There was no lack of effort on his part.

He also came a yard away from a TD on another throw.

 

[Hugsy_Malone]

despite him not being overly fast or tall

Isn't this really part of the problem with having invested a ton in Ridley? Instead of having the attributes of a number one, he's really indistinguishable from other receivers and therefore is a role player?

I get that he might be an excellent route runner and that is being wasted with the Jags, but really that comment is telling.

 

[menobrown]

despite him not being overly fast or tall

Isn't this really part of the problem with having invested a ton in Ridley? Instead of having the attributes of a number one, he's really indistinguishable from other receivers and therefore is a role player?

I get that he might be an excellent route runner and that is being wasted with the Jags, but really that comment is telling.

Not how I see it. I think he has some special traits, mainly his route running and quickness. I don't believe the traits necessary to be a #1 is a one size fits all.

I also believe almost every WR in the league needs help, they need scheme to help get them open. they need to be put in position to optimize their skill set(s). So again me saying he's not being put in the best possible situation for his success is not the me saying he's not a #1 or worse a JAG.

Now is it possible at this stage he's more of a high end teams #2? Yes. Frankly he's been hard to scout this year because of how he's used. But even if we say he's a #2, if by investment you mean fantasy investment, he was being drafted in a the range of other teams #2 WR's. Waddle, Devonta, Higgins coming to mind.

Lastly he's working out better for the Jags then he is fantasy people. He does get most of the defensive attention, he does draw a healthy amount of PI calls. He's doing his job, I feel fairly strong the Jags are happy with their investment in him. I just think they got him pigeonholed in how they want to use him and that's why a true role player like a Parker Washington can breeze off the bench and have a better game because he's put in better situations.

 

[Faust]

Ian Hartitz
Over the last two weeks Calvin Ridley has 25 targets. Only DeAndre Hopkins and teammate Zay Jones (now out with a hamstring) have more air yards. He's facing a banged-up TB secondary that has given up the third-most PPR points per game to the position.

Jamal Agnew to the MOON.

https://x.com/ihartitz/status/1737556019658580148?s=61

 

[Faust]

32BeatWriters
On Calvin Ridley’s Future with the Jags:

“Baalke made it clear the Jaguars are high on Ridley after 2023, and the expectation should be that he could be even better in 2024 after another year in the system and back in the swing of the routine of NFL life.”

https://x.com/32beatwriters/status/1750898121482047996?s=61

 

[Ministry of Pain]

32BeatWriters
On Calvin Ridley’s Future with the Jags:

“Baalke made it clear the Jaguars are high on Ridley after 2023, and the expectation should be that he could be even better in 2024 after another year in the system and back in the swing of the routine of NFL life.”

https://x.com/32beatwriters/status/1750898121482047996?s=61

My only real comment is when people point out things like players have been removed from the game for "X" amount of time, be it gambling or like Watson took himself off the field for a rather long stretch and then suspended and we still don't know if he's going to make it in Cleveland
My point was IT MATTERS

It was a major gripe of mine and I took a lot of heat for not being a pro-Ridley supporter. I still feel he had a major role in taking himself off the field and way before that season started, he was jockeying for a new contract and he didn't get it and then things started to spiral out of control. I think he knew what the dangers were from placing bets and did it anyways, if Ridley didn't know then his awareness level in Madden shouldn't be taken any higher than single digits.

So he's gonna turn it on next season, that's awesome, good for him.
He'll be turning 30 next season.
76/1,000/8TDs never felt so hollow as watching him play in '23
10 of his starts at WR, less than 50 yds receiving.
What does that mean? The other 6 games were pretty strong, had multiple TDs in a couple games
But he was a hole in your starting line up quite often and some of the bad streaks would have made it tough to start him on a coupe of his better games.

 

[greenmountaingoat]

Traded Toney for him in the offseason on a new orphan.. man was I stoked week 1. After that.. not so much. Getting the better bite from this turd sandwich was not satisfying.

 

[menobrown]

32BeatWriters
On Calvin Ridley’s Future with the Jags:

“Baalke made it clear the Jaguars are high on Ridley after 2023, and the expectation should be that he could be even better in 2024 after another year in the system and back in the swing of the routine of NFL life.”

https://x.com/32beatwriters/status/1750898121482047996?s=61

My only real comment is when people point out things like players have been removed from the game for "X" amount of time, be it gambling or like Watson took himself off the field for a rather long stretch and then suspended and we still don't know if he's going to make it in Cleveland
My point was IT MATTERS

It was a major gripe of mine and I took a lot of heat for not being a pro-Ridley supporter. I still feel he had a major role in taking himself off the field and way before that season started, he was jockeying for a new contract and he didn't get it and then things started to spiral out of control. I think he knew what the dangers were from placing bets and did it anyways, if Ridley didn't know then his awareness level in Madden shouldn't be taken any higher than single digits.

So he's gonna turn it on next season, that's awesome, good for him.
He'll be turning 30 next season.
76/1,000/8TDs never felt so hollow as watching him play in '23
10 of his starts at WR, less than 50 yds receiving.
What does that mean? The other 6 games were pretty strong, had multiple TDs in a couple games
But he was a hole in your starting line up quite often and some of the bad streaks would have made it tough to start him on a coupe of his better games.

I still don't think the layoff mattered. Sure seemed fine in the first half of week one.

Players like Antonio Brown also took extended time away from the game and showed no rust. Agree Watson has never been the same but I don't uphold Ridley as an example of the pitfalls of investing in a player who took an extended absence, more the risk of investing in a player in a new environment.

He will also play almost the entire season next year as a 29 year old, might get in like 1-2 fantasy relevant games as 30 year old and I think wear and tear is a factor along with age in slowing players down and he's in great shape in that department.

I noticed some other things Baalke said which made me think he and Pederson are not in sync on all the moves and makes me wonder if Ridley was one of those moves? Don't know but I my guess is he's going to reach the open market and leave.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I saw a supercut of all of Ridley’s TD drops this year - dude coulda had 3 more TDs this year for sure, possibly more.

And TLaw caught all the grief for it. He should have been a top 5 QB.

smh

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Just looked it up. 5th most drops in the NFL. A shocking number were would-be 1st downs or TDs.

Just drive killers / QB killers.

6 drops, 3 were 1st downs, 3 were TDs. I was a bit hyperbolic in my previous post.

 

[efactor]

Sounds like Ridley won’t be back with the Jags because of the cost and the conditional pick moving to the 2nd round if he resigns.

Up and down season. Drops cost him a lot of big plays but he showed he’s still a great route runner and has good explosiveness.

Not shying away from him in redraft if he ends up in a good spot.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Sounds like Ridley won’t be back with the Jags because of the cost and the conditional pick moving to the 2nd round if he resigns.

Up and down season. Drops cost him a lot of big plays but he showed he’s still a great route runner and explosiveness.

Not shying away from him in redraft if he ends up in a good spot.

Depends where he goes, IMO.

 

[efactor]

Just looked it up. 5th most drops in the NFL. A shocking number were would-be 1st downs or TDs.

Just drive killers / QB killers.

6 drops, 3 were 1st downs, 3 were TDs. I was a bit hyperbolic in my previous post.

Yeah, the type of drops he had were more memorable because they were big plays. But hard to blame Lawrence’s struggles on just that. Ridley had a low catch percentage. Didn’t watch enough Jags games last year to know why but wasn’t just drops.

Puka had 13 drops and Tyreek had 11 to lead the league

 

[efactor]

Sounds like Ridley won’t be back with the Jags because of the cost and the conditional pick moving to the 2nd round if he resigns.

Up and down season. Drops cost him a lot of big plays but he showed he’s still a great route runner and explosiveness.

Not shying away from him in redraft if he ends up in a good spot.

Depends where he goes, IMO.

Which is why I said “if he ends up in a good spot”

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Just looked it up. 5th most drops in the NFL. A shocking number were would-be 1st downs or TDs.

Just drive killers / QB killers.

6 drops, 3 were 1st downs, 3 were TDs. I was a bit hyperbolic in my previous post.

Yeah, the type of drops he had were more memorable because they were big plays. But hard to blame Lawrence’s struggles on just that. Ridley had a low catch percentage. Didn’t watch enough Jags games last year to know why but wasn’t just drops.

Puka had 13 drops and Tyreek had 11 to lead the league

But on way more targets, so sample size hurts Ridley in that context.

I watched quite a few of those games - he had more than 6 drops, but some were labeled incompletions - like the sure fire TD in the last game where he somehow managed to bobble it while not getting down in-bounds.

He really did hurt TLaw’s numbers not just because of a few drops, but because they came on perfect throws that would have extended drives.

If Ridley makes those catches, the Jags live to play another down & TLaw’s numbers look a lot better.

 

[efactor]

Just looked it up. 5th most drops in the NFL. A shocking number were would-be 1st downs or TDs.

Just drive killers / QB killers.

6 drops, 3 were 1st downs, 3 were TDs. I was a bit hyperbolic in my previous post.

Yeah, the type of drops he had were more memorable because they were big plays. But hard to blame Lawrence’s struggles on just that. Ridley had a low catch percentage. Didn’t watch enough Jags games last year to know why but wasn’t just drops.

Puka had 13 drops and Tyreek had 11 to lead the league

But on way more targets, so sample size hurts Ridley in that context.

Oh, I know. Just a reference point and to show that Ridleys drop percentage wasn't some crazy, off the chart number.

 

[efactor]

Just looked it up. 5th most drops in the NFL. A shocking number were would-be 1st downs or TDs.

Just drive killers / QB killers.

6 drops, 3 were 1st downs, 3 were TDs. I was a bit hyperbolic in my previous post.

Yeah, the type of drops he had were more memorable because they were big plays. But hard to blame Lawrence’s struggles on just that. Ridley had a low catch percentage. Didn’t watch enough Jags games last year to know why but wasn’t just drops.

Puka had 13 drops and Tyreek had 11 to lead the league

But on way more targets, so sample size hurts Ridley in that context.

I watched quite a few of those games - he had more than 6 drops, but some were labeled incompletions - like the sure fire TD in the last game where he somehow managed to bobble it while not getting down in-bounds.

He really did hurt TLaw’s numbers not just because of a few drops, but because they came on perfect throws that would have extended drives.

If Ridley makes those catches, the Jags live to play another down & TLaw’s numbers look a lot better.

A few things:

-I am aware less targets but just using it to point out his drop rate wasn't off the charts bad

-Labeling "should have been drops" is probably the same for most receivers so I have my doubts Ridley benefited any more than other receivers in that category

-You state that Lawrence "should have been top 5" without those drops. That just isn't true. I also saw Ridley make some exceptional catches that benefited Lawrence's stats. Drops are a part of the game and those 6 didn't keep Lawrence from being elite on their own. He did plenty of other things on his own to keep him out of the rarified air.

-Previously (before the start of the 2023 season) you made a strong and in my opinion misguided case that Ridley was tanking and not trying to score TDs when he was with Atlanta. Most other posters that responded in that thread disagreed with you.

I generally like your takes even if I don't agree with them but you seem to really dislike the guy

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I generally like your takes even if I don't agree with them but you seem to really dislike the guy

Not at all. I have no animosity towards him whatsoever.

I just think he’s anti-clutch, and hurt TLaw’s numbers.