Atlanta Falcons 29-21 Carolina Panthers: Road warrior Falcons back in NFC playoff hunt

The Atlanta Falcons pulled off the upset win in week 14, to keep their NFC playoff hopes alive. It was the most complete performance of the season from the Falcons in my opinion. Arthur Smiths men got revenge for their week 8 loss at home to Carolina as they dominated the Panthers in Charlotte. It was nice to see Atlanta win a game where Matt Ryan could simply manage the game.

I've been critical of the Atlanta Falcons and Arthur Smith this season but they have done well to win six games without Calvin Ridley for the majority of the season. 

The Game

The Panthers started out strong forcing a three and out from the Falcons offense. A beautifully balanced Carolina opening drive saw DJ Moore, Hubbard and Zylstra all contributing to getting them to the Falcons 12 yard line before Cam Newton rushed for a touchdown to give them an early lead. 7-0 Panthers. 

Russell Gage started this game like he finished the last, catching three passes for 58 yards on the Falcons second offensive drive. Cordarelle Patterson scored his 10th touchdown of the season on a 5 yard rush to level the score at 7-7.

The games next big play would come from Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker. Walker read Cam Newtons eyes to intercept a pass and return it 66 yards for a Falcons pick six. 14-7 Falcons. Newton was benched briefly after the following Panthers drive resulted in a punt. A Younghoe Koo field goal extended the Falcons lead to 17-7. PJ Walker took over at quarterback for the Panthers, but he threw an interception to AJ Terrell to end the half. 

The Falcons done a brilliant job to limit Chuba Hubbard to just 33 yard on 10 carries, but he did have a 17 yard rushing touchdown on the Panthers first drive of the third quarter to narrow the gap to just a field goal. 17-14 Falcons. Younghoe Koo kicked his second field goal of the day from 38 yards out to make the gap six points. 

Cam Newton committed his second costly turnover of the day, with the Panthers at midfield. He tripped over center Pat Elflein's foot and dropped the football. Grady Jarrett recovered it. The Falcons marched down the field and scored a touchdown. Kyle Pitts converted a huge 3rd and 13 to keep the Falcons drive alive. Qadree Ollison featured a lot on this drive as Arthur Smith used his trio of backs. Matt Ryan found Hayden Hurst for his only passing touchdown of the game to leave the score at 26-14. Arthur Smith decided to go for two to try and give the Falcons a two touchdown advantage, but Matt Ryan sailed a pass out of the back of the endzone.

Younghoe Koo added his third field goal of the day shortly after Carolina turned the ball over on downs to make the score 29-14 Falcons. A late Qadree Ollison fumble gave the Panthers the ball with good field position. PJ Walker was in at quarterback again for Carolina. Walker zoned in on wide receiver Robbie Anderson. He threw three passes to Anderson for a total of 36 yards and a touchdown on this possession. The lead was reduced to 29-21 Falcons. 

Arthur Smith went back to Mike Davis as the Falcons attempted to run out the clock following Ollison's fumble. Kyle Pitts came up big again on third down as he converted a 3rd and 14. A Matt Ryan QB sneak iced the game on the next set of downs. 

It improves Atlanta's record outside of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium to 6-2 this season. A remarkable record for a team with a limited set of players.

Falcons Offensive Star

Kaleb McGary: This is a hard one but I'd give it to Kaleb McGary. I have been critical of McGary in the past but he played a really good game on Sunday. His run blocking was particularly impressive. He earned the highest PFF running blocking grade for tackles with 91.2.

Falcons Defensive Star

AJ Terrell: I could probably give it to AJ Terrell every week. The Falcons have found a real superstar cornerback in the second year corner out of Clemson. Mykal Walker made a huge play but he only played five snaps so I thought it would be unfair to give it to him based off such a small sample size.


Falcons Positives

The Offensive Line: The Falcons allowed zero sacks against a very good Caroline Panthers defence. The Panthers bullied the Falcons in the trenches in their last meeting so to see this sort of turnaround was very satisfying. 

Falcons Secondary: AJ Terrell continues to play at an elite level for the Falcons. He did allow a late touchdown to Robbie Anderson. Despite this he only allowed 16 yards on 6 targets. Fabian Moreau stepped up in a big way allowing just 16 yards on 5 targets and a 48.8 passer rating. Safety Erik Harris has been ruled out for the season after tearing his pec. 

Image taken from PFF.com


The Falcons run defence: Despite giving up two rushing touchdowns, the Falcons defence done a good job of limiting the Panthers to 91 yards on 26 carries.

Falcons Negatives

The Falcons pass rush: Edge Rusher should be the Falcons number one priority in the offseason. We pressured Newton and Walker only five times. Dante Fowler did get one sack but it was rather fortunate.  

What Arthur Smith Had To Say

Arthur Smith he was happy with the physicality of both the Falcons lines, particularly in the run game and stopping the run. Smith said that is the identity he wants his team to have. He praised the defences committed and added "Dean Pees hasn't even scratched the surface of what he's going to install here."



Box Score 

Atlanta Falcons

Passing: Matt Ryan 19/29 for 190 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions, 98.8 passer rating.

Rushing: Cordarelle Patterson 16 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown. 

Receiving: Russell Gage 4 receptions for 64 yards.


Carolina Panthers 

Passing: Cam Newton 15/23 for 178 yards, no touchdowns and one interception, 70.6 passer rating.

Rushing: Cam Newton 10 carries for 47 yards and a touchdown. 

Receiving: Robbie Anderson 7 receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. 

Highlights

The highlights of the game are available on youtube here

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