Falcons last in league in third-down efficiency
Third-down blues
After another poor showing on third down, the Falcons defense slipped into last place in the league in third-down efficiency. Teams are converting 49 percent of their third downs against the Falcons. Here’s a look at how the Panthers converted on 8 of 12 third downs on Sunday:
1. Third-and-6, Carolina 30: Carolina quarterback Cam Newton scrambles for 12-yard gain.
2. Third-and-9, Atlanta 40: Newton completes a 17-yard pass to Legedu Naanee.
3. Third-and-3, Atlanta 19: Newton’s pass to Greg Olsen is incomplete.
4. Third-and-13, Atlanta 31: Newton completes pass to Naanee for 17-yard gain.
5. Third-and-10, Carolina 22: Newton completes pass to Brandon LaFell for 12-yard gain.
6. Third-and-4, Carolina 26: Newton completes pass to Steve Smith for 9-yard gain
7. Third-and-3, Carolina 42: Newton runs for 4-yard gain.
8. Third-and-1, Atlanta 45: Running back Jonathan Stewart runs up the middle for 11-yard gain.
9. Third-and-5, Atlanta 14: Newton scrambles for 14-yard touchdown.
10. Third-and-9, Carolina 17: Falcons defensive end Ray Edwards sacks Newton for 8-yard loss.
11. Third-and-15, Carolina 15: Newton completes pass to Stewart for 12-yard gain.
12. Third-and-9, Atlanta 36: Newton completes pass to Olsen for 8 yards.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
