Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons lose costly review to Panthers

Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart (28) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Credit: Chuck Burton

Credit: Chuck Burton

Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart (28) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
By
Dec 13, 2015

An early review call went against the Falcons in their game against the undefeated Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday.

On a second-and-22, Carolina quarterback Cam Newton completed a pass to tight Greg Olsen, who appeared to fumble the ball.

Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen recovered the ball and the Falcons had an apparent first down.

The Panthers challenged the ruling on the field and after a review, the ball was awarded to the Panthers because the officials said Olsen was down by contact. Strong safety William Moore and linebacker Justin Durant were credited with the tackle.

Three plays later, Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart scored on a short touchdown run.

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.

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