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.
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