A quarter-by-quarter look at the Falcons’ 20-13 victory against the previously undefeated Carolina Panthers before 70,981 fans on Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
FIRST QUARTER
Big play I: Carolina quarterback Cam Newton scored on an 8-yard touchdown run to cap the Panthers' 11-play, 80-yard drive to open the game. He partied and danced in the end zone before giving the ball to a fan. He returned to his sideline for some more celebrating.
Big play II: Not to be outdone by Newton, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had a key run as well. On third-and-2 from Carolina's 11, Ryan faked Carolina linebacker Thomas Davis and ran for a 7-yard gain. A hit by safety Kurt Coleman to his left hip and waist put Ryan in a lot of pain.
Turning point: After an incomplete Matt Ryan-to-Devonta Freeman pass on third down, Carolina cornerback Charles Tillman got into tussle with Falcons wide receiver Roddy White. Tillman was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty, which gave the Falcons a first down.
Takeaway: Newton is a big-time showboat.
Score: Panthers 7, Falcons 0.
SECOND QUARTER
Big play: Freeman took a toss from Ryan and was escorted into the end zone by left tackle Jake Matthews and fullback Patrick DiMarco on a 4-yard run to cap a 16-play, 80-yard drive. The drive was added by the Tillman penalty.
Turning point: After an exchange of punts, the Panthers were on the move. They picked up a 31-yard run from Cameron Artis-Payne and Newton picked up a first down with a strong run on third-and-8. But on second-and-1 from Atlanta's 21, Newton was sacked by Jonathan Babineaux, who hit him first and Kroy Biermann stormed in to finish him off for a 16-yard loss. Newton's pass on third down was nearly intercepted by Phillip Adams.
Takeaway: The Falcons were determined to stand up to Newton and all of his theatrics.
Score: Panthers 7, Falcons 7.
THIRD QUARTER
Big play: Falcons kicker Shayne Graham missed badly on a 43-yard field-goal attempt. It appeared that his plant leg slipped on the play as he missed the ball. After Graham's missed attempt, the Panthers drove into field-goal range. Graham Gano made a 33-yard kick to make it 10-7.
Turning point: Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones plucked Matt Ryan's ball out of the air and scored on a 70-yard pass play to give the Falcons a 14-10 lead. It was Ryan's 200th career touchdown pass.
Takeaway: The defense played better coverage and was able to get a pass rush on Newton.
Score: Falcons 14, Panthers 10.
FOURTH QUARTER
Big play: Graham, who'd missed a 43-yarder earlier, nailed a 37-yard field goal with 2:28 to play to make it 17-13 and a 54-yarder with 1:30 left after the offense had a disgraceful display of how to close out a game three consecutive penalties.
Turning point: Falcons center Mike Person and Ryan killed a promising drive with a bad shot gun exchange. The snap appeared to be off the mark and too hot. Ryan still has to be ready for it and make the play. The defense held and forced a field goal. Vic Beasley knocked the ball out of Newton's hand and Adrian Clayborn recovered with just over a minute left.
Takeaway: The Falcons stood up to the NFC South bully.
Score: Falcons 20, Panthers 13.
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