Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan made a rare, spirited run through the middle of the defense on Sunday but he appeared to pay a physical price for his decision not to slide.
The Falcons faced a third-and-two at Carolina’s 11-yard line when Ryan dropped back to pass. After finding no open receivers and facing pressure, Ryan ran around left end, faked out linebacker Thomas Davis near the line of scrimmage and cut to the middle of the field to make a run for the end zone.
Ryan could have slid after gaining the first down but instead took a big hit from safety Kurt Coleman on his left side at the four-yard line. When the period ended after the play Ryan walked gingerly to the sideline while holding his left side. Trainers attended to Ryan during the break before he returned to the huddle to start the second period.
Ryan appeared to be roughed up again later in the period when Kawann Short sacked him for a seven-yard loss. Ryan winced while flexing his left wrist but stayed in the game.
Ryan took yet another big hit in the third quarter. He delivered a 12-yard pass to Jacob Tamme just before linebacker Thomas Davis hit him. Ryan got up slowly while holding his right side but again stayed in the game.
Three plays later Ryan tossed a 70-yard touchdown pass to Julio Jones for a 14-10 lead.
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