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5 things we learned about the Falcons on Friday

D. Orlando Ledbetter
By D. Orlando Ledbetter

http://bcove.me/ddhmoi8u

UPDATE: Matt Bryant was placed on season-ending injury reserve.  Nose tackle Joey Mbu promoted from practice squad to the 53-man roster. Also, linebacker Philip Wheeler was fined for his face-mask penalty against Tampa Bay.

FLOWERY BRANCH — Here are the five things we learned Friday about the Falcons (6-6), who play at Carolina (12-0) in a NFC South game at 1 p.m. Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.  The Falcons have dropped five straight and six of seven, but can atone and keep their faint playoffs hopes alive with a upset of the Panthers, who are 7 1/2 point favorites.

090315 ATLANTA: Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett stomps his feet after making a big third down stop against the Ravens forcing a fieldgoal attempt in the redzone during the first quarter of their preseason game on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com
090315 ATLANTA: Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett stomps his feet after making a big third down stop against the Ravens forcing a fieldgoal attempt in the redzone during the first quarter of their preseason game on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

1. RAHEEM MORRIS STARS AS CAM NEWTON:

The Falcons coaches ran a special scout-team period for the defensive front during the special teams session. Assistant head coach/defensive passing game coordinator Raheem Morris played Cam Newton  and wide receiver coach Terry Robiskie was running back Jonathan Stewart. The Falcons have placed a heavy emphasis on stopping the run this week.

2. JARRETT IS UP: Falcons rookie defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who been playing solid in a rotational role since Week 8, will get more playing time with Paul Soliai (calf) declared out of the game by coach Dan Quinn. Jarrett has a plus-8.9 rating this season and currently rates 17th among all defensive tackles, according to profootballfocus.com.

3. BRYANT TO MISS THIRD GAME: Also, kicker Matt Bryant (quadriceps) will miss his third game and Shayne Graham, who's made five-of-five, will handle the field goal kicking.