FALCONS 45, PANTHERS 28: FALCONS REPORT: Abraham’s injury leads to accolades for Davis’ efforts

Falcons defensive end John Abraham, who is battling neck, nerve and shoulder injuries, had to leave Sunday’s game against Carolina with 13:13 left.

The team did not comment on the exact nature and extent of his injury after the game.

Chauncey Davis got his most playing time of the season. He got two sacks and was stout against the run.

Abraham collected his 12th sack before leaving.

“Chauncey has a big sack there in the third quarter,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “That was a big, big huge play.”

The Falcons wanted to get some heat on Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme.

“The first time we played against Jake Delhomme, we didn’t get any sacks,” Davis said. “We knew we needed to stay in his face and get a lot of pressure.”

The Falcons also used Jason Jefferson and Simon Fraser at defensive tackle.

Defensive linemen Jonathan Babineaux, Jamaal Anderson and Fraser all batted down passes.

Fast start again

The Falcons jumped out to a 17-0 start, including 10-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Overall, the Falcons have outscored the opposition 88-24 in the opening 15 minutes.

The Falcons have led at the end of the first quarter in all of their victories against Detroit (21-0), Kansas City (14-0), Green Bay (10-0), Chicago (6-0), Oakland (14-0), New Orleans (6-0) and now Carolina.

Weems plays

Wide receiver Eric Weems, activated from the practice squad this week with the hamstring injury to Laurent Robinson, was on the kickoff coverage unit and played from scrimmage.

He caught a pass in the first quarter for a 4-yard gain.

Inactives

In addition to Robinson (hamstring), defensive tackle Kindal Moorehead (foot) and left tackle Sam Baker (hip/back), safety Jamaal Fudge, cornerback David Irons, linebacker Tony Gilbert and center Ben Wilkerson were inactive for Sunday’s game. D.J. Shockley served as the No. 3 quarterback.

Jackson update

Defensive tackle Grady Jackson’s appeal of a four-game suspension was heard by the NFL on Friday. Jackson’s representatives are not expecting to hear back until after Dec. 1 about the violation of the league’s steroid policy.

That would mean that Jackson would be available to play Sunday’s game against San Deigo before a decision is rendered.

Crowd noise

Smith credited the Georgia Dome crowd for their help.

“We had four or possibly five procedural penalties that I think were directly attributed to the crowd today,” Smith said.

“They really got into the game.”

From the outset, Carolina had trouble hearing their signals.

“That’s a big help when the guys have a hard time hearing the snap count and getting the ball out,” Smith said. “That helped us and knocked them in a hole.”

Red zone wonders

The Falcons were 5-of-6 in the red zone against the Panthers, scoring one field goal and four touchdowns.

“We were trying to make a big emphasis on scoring when we get down to the red zone,” left guard Justin Blalock said. “Everybody did a really good job.”

Blalock pulled from left guard and escorted running back Michael Turner into the end zone on his second touchdown.

Robiskie visits son

Falcons wide receivers coach Terry Robiskie was in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday for Ohio State’s senior day. His son Brian Robiskie is a wideout for the Buckeyes and caught a touchdown pass in the 42-7 romp over Michigan.