Their heartbreaking loss just a few weeks ago has left them devastated. The Carolina PanthersThey got their revenge on the Atlanta Falcons by winning 25-15 at home for their third win of this season.
D.J. Moore’s decision to take off his helmet two weeks ago after scoring on a Hail Mary to tie the game led to a missed extra point attempt that would eventually set up a Falcons’ field goal for the overtime victory.
The Panthers were dominant during the game and beat the Falcons at their best: running the football.
Atlanta had the fourth-most rushing yards per match and the third most rush attempts per contest. However, they used four running backs in the game. quarterback Marcus MariotaTo run, they could only generate 138 yards of ground speed.
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PJ Walker #11 of Carolina Panthers tries a pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
(Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the Panthers totaled 232, and it was behind D’Onta Foreman’s 130 yards on 31 carries, as he was the workhorse they needed to get through this game filled with bad rain and wind.
Foreman scored the team’s second touchdown of the game, which came right after Mariota found rookie wide receiver Drake London in the end zone to cut the Panthers’ lead to four. The offense’s next drive saw PJ Walker as the quarterback. Foreman ran a 12-yard touchdown to make it 19-9. Younghoe Koo missed the extra point.
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Walker wasn’t as flashy as he was in Atlanta, but he managed the game well behind the run game. Walker finished the game with just 108 yards from 10 of 16 but he made smart choices when he was forced to throw the ball (except one that will be highlighted later).
Drake London #5 of Atlanta Falcons scores a touchdown against Donte Jackson #26 of Carolina Panthers in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
(Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
He also let his teammates make plays, as the first touchdown of the game came in Carolina’s 10-point second quarter, with Laviska Shenault catching a crosser and taking it 41 yards to the house to make it 10-0.
Mariota made poor decisions throughout this game. While he was pressured a lot, he shouldn’t have had just one interception on the night. Jaycee Horn, the Panthers’ only pick-snatcher, was able to grab one on a desperate heave meant for tight end. Kyle PittsIn the second quarter.
He was able to complete a 97-yard drive, which was completed with a touchdown pass to KhaDarelHodge of 25 yards. This brought the Falcons to within one possession in quarter four.
Richie Grant, Falcons safety may have made Atlanta’s final drive even more interesting if Walker could be intercepted. Walker was able to jump the route flawlessly but couldn’t catch it in Panthers territory.
Instead, the Falcons handed the ball back to the Panthers in just four plays. Marquis Haynes Sr. collected two sacks during this drive. As the Panthers ran out of time, Pineiro would score his fourth field goal.
Mariota ended the game with two touchdown passes, and an interception. He went 19-for-30 to gain 186 yards.
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Caleb Huntley led the way with 32 yards on five carries. Cordarrelle Patterson scored two touchdowns last week and was expected to be a key player in this game. However, he only had five carries for 18 yard. Mariota had 43 rushing yards on just three carries.
London had five catches of 38 yards and his touchdown. Pitts had eight targets but only two catches of 28 yards.
D’Onta Foreman #33 of Carolina Panthers scored a touchdown in the third quarter against Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium.
(Lance King/Getty Images)
Frankie Luvu of the Panthers, a linebacker who has been an outstanding player all season, had 2 sacks on Mariota while Brian Burns grabbed 1 to bring the total to five.
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Next week, the Panthers face a more difficult task when they take on the Baltimore Ravens. Meanwhile, the Falcons travel to Atlanta to take on the visiting Chicago Bears.
