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Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley said his frustration got the better of him when he openly lamented both his performance and his usage following a 20-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Ridley told reporters Wednesday he was “more frustrated about losing and not really helping in the beginning.” He added he was “mad” immediately after the game but that his anger wasn’t toward his teammates and coaches.
The 6’1″ pass-catcher is averaging a career-low 28.2 receiving yards per game so far. Things reached a low point this past Sunday, when he had zero receptions despite being targeted eight times.
In the locker room, Ridley said to the assembled media he “sucked today” and had to improve. However, he also cited a need to get more passes his way earlier in games so he can find a groove.
Ridley’s irritation probably stemmed from more than his production against the Colts. He had two catches for 14 yards across Tennessee’s previous two games before Week 6.
Will Levis’ erratic play is undoubtedly a reason why Ridley’s numbers are well below their usual levels. The second-year quarterback has thrown for 699 yards. The Titans are 31st in average passing yards (135) and tied for the second-fewest yards per attempt (5.5).
For as bad as Ridley’s output might look, he’s still the second-leading receiver on Tennessee, and team leader DeAndre Hopkins hasn’t fared much better (14 receptions, 175 yards, one touchdown).
Maybe something starts to click in the next few weeks for Levis under first-year head coach Brian Callahan, a former quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator before joining the Titans.
Absent that, Ridley might have to lower his personal expectations for this season.
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