The Falcons tried to climb over the .500 mark for the first time since 2017. They were coming off two consecutive wins. They were at home. They were playing a division rival. Not so fast. The Falcons struggled mightily and lost a 19-13 decision to the Panthers. Here are the highlights:
Play of the game: Chuba Hubbard scored on a 6-yard run with 7:40 remaining to give the Panthers a 19-10 lead. Try as they may, including a late field goal and failed onside kick, the Falcons couldn’t come back from the deficit. Hubbard finished with 82 yards rushing. It was the only touchdown of the game for the Panthers, who added four field goals.
Offensive game ball: Despite fumbling on the first play from scrimmage, Hubbard carried the Panthers’ rushing attack, carrying for 82 of the 203 yards. He helped the Panthers dominate the time of possession, as they held the ball for more than 35 minutes, almost 11 more minutes than the Falcons.
Defensive game ball: Stephon Gilmore, the four-time Pro Bowler who was activated this week, came away with the game-clinching interception for the Panthers, picking off Matt Ryan with 1:58 remaining. He got in front of Kyle Pitts to end a Falcons drive at the 15-yard line.
Key stat: Ryan threw for only 146 yards (on 20-for-26 passing). He threw one touchdown, two interceptions and was sacked three times. By comparison, the Panthers rushed for more yardage with 203 yards.
Biggest takeaway: The Falcons have problems that defeating two bad teams in the previous weeks cannot hide. They lost Calvin Ridley, who has stepped away from football again to “focus on my mental wellbeing.” The offensive and defensive lines have issues. Quarterback Matt Ryan was sacked three times, hit nine times and threw two interceptions as he could not be consistently protected. The Falcons rushed for only 82 yards. The Panthers controlled the line of scrimmage on offense with over 200 yards rushing and no sacks allowed.
They said it: “They got after us. You have to give them credit. We didn’t make enough plays.” – Falcons coach Arthur Smith on loss.
Next up: The Falcons stay in NFC South play with a game at the Saints at 1 p.m. Sunday.
