Music City Miracles
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley finally broke his slump in Sunday’s thrilling 22-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Ridley recorded five receptions on 10 targets for 131 yards. It marked season-highs in every category.
The Titans had been trying to get Ridley going after an early-season slump. Brian Callahan compared it to a baseball hitter. Wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert tried creative tactics at practice to address Ridley’s confidence and then-ongoing drop issues.
It worked on Sunday. Cam Ward and Ridley connected on multiple big plays, including what was essentially the game-winner to set kicker Joey Slye up. The connection between Ward and Ridley that was teased throughout training camp and the preseason was finally on display.
Ridley finished second among all wide receivers in EPA (Expected Points Added) across Week 5 at +11.8, Easton Freeze noted. That means the Titans’ offense was considerably more dangerous and efficient when Ridley was making plays. That’s the expectation, so it was notable to see projection become reality.
Ridley will now be tasked with keeping that momentum going against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6. The fellow 1-4 Raiders are coming off an embarrassing 40-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Hopefully the Titans are trending in an appropriate direction, by comparison.
The Raiders’ pass defense EPA (0.19) ranks 28th in the league. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones was 20-of-29 against them on Sunday for 212 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The Raiders are allowing a 22nd-ranked 226.8 yards per game.
Pete Carroll’s secondary doesn’t have a shutdown cornerback. Former first-round bust Eric Stokes has been their best coverage defender. Ridley should like his chances versus Stokes and his running mate Kyu Blu Kelly.
Ridley started the 2024 campaign in slow fashion. He eventually caught fire and finished with 1,000 yards despite Will Levis’ struggles. Hopefully Ridley turned a corner against the Cardinals.
