Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, WR Calvin Ridley develop chemistry in win over Colts
The connection between Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and wide receiver Calvin Ridley was hyped throughout the offseason and it didn't disappoint in Week 1.
In a 31-21 victory against the Indianapolis Colts, Ridley finished with eight receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets. Lawrence also flourished, completing 24-of-32 passes for 241 yards, two TDs and a 103.8 passer rating.
Ridley's developing chemistry with Lawrence bodes well for Jacksonville since they could become a prolific passing combination. On X, formerly known as Twitter, Matt Miller of ESPN wrote, "Getting Calvin Ridley for Trevor Lawrence is going to be seen like [Buffalo's] Stefon Diggs/Josh Allen and [Philadelphia's] A.J. Brown/Jalen Hurts were."
Allen and Hurts broke out when their organizations acquired a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver. It's likely that Lawrence, the first overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, will do the same. The 23-year-old is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league and he's growing more comfortable in his second season under head coach Doug Pederson.
Even though Ridley was excellent on Sunday, he's still knocking some rust off as he had not played since Oct. 24, 2021. If the 28-year-old stays healthy and continues to perform, he will recapture the form that earned him a second-team All-Pro nod in 2020.
The chemistry between signal-caller and wideout also benefits the rest of the Jaguars offense because defenses will focus on stopping the passing tandem, creating opportunities for others to make plays. The team posted 342 yards and went 3-for-3 in the red zone against Indianapolis.
So, expect Lawrence and Ridley to keep developing into an elite connection, which could help Jacksonville win a second consecutive division title.
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