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Rookie Calvin Ridley turns in 'special' game with 3 TD receptions for Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley became the fifth NFL rookie in the past 18 seasons to catch three touchdown passes in one game on Sunday. The former Alabama standout is first Falcons player to accomplish the feat and the first Atlanta player with three TD receptions in a game since tight end Algee Crumpler in 2006.

Ridley had a "special" game against the New Orleans Saints, but the Falcons lost 43-37 in overtime to their NFC South rivals.

Ridley caught an 18-yard touchdown pass with 2:45 left in the first quarter as Atlanta tied the game at 7-7, caught a 75-yard touchdown pass with 2:12 left in the first half as the Falcons took a 14-13 lead and caught a 9-yard touchdown pass with 12:00 left in the third quarter as Atlanta went ahead 21-16.