As the Carolina Panthers prepared to host the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons, the task for an already-reeling defense would be daunting. Falcons Quarterback Kirk Cousins was coming off a franchise single-game record 509 passing yards in a thrilling overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, the Ejiro Evero’s defense was on pace for franchise records in the opposite direction. Carolina had given up 165 points through the first five weeks of the season – the most in franchise history after five games. This week would be no better. Aside from a three-and-out to start the game, Atlanta did not punt the rest of the game. The only other possession they did not score on was when rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace forced and recovered a fumble by Ray Ray McCloud in the second quarter. The 7-second possession to end the first half is negligible and including it still wouldn’t mask the travesty that is Panthers defense.
Carolina’s offense fought to keep the game within reach, coming within 5 points as Andy Dalton connected with rookie receiver Xavier Legette on a 7-yard touchdown strike with 12 seconds left in the half. Atlanta go the ball first to start the second half and continued to add points every time their offense took the field. Eddy Pineiro and Yunghoe Loo traded a pair of field goals and the Panthers still had the game within sight, down 8 points and driving. Dalton, looking for Ian Thomas downfield, was intercepted by AJ Terrell at the Carolina 15 yard line. The play call was interesting given the success Chuba Hubbard was having on the ground. Nonetheless, the turnover coming with 10:53 left was a back breaker. Atlanta went down and tacked on another rushing touchdown to push the lead to 15. The Falcons added another field goal, and the final points of the game, after the Panthers turned the ball over on downs. An interception by Clark Phillips III sealed the deal and sent Carolina to 1-5 with a 38-20 loss. Atlanta orchestrated a two-headed rushing attack with Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson rushing for 105 and 95 yards, respectively. They also added three touchdowns between the two of them with Drake London adding six catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. Cousins finished 19-of-30 for 225 yards and a touchdown. Dalton finished 26-of-38 for 221 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Hubbard continued his strong season, rushing for 92 yards on 18 carries while Diontae Johnson led the receivers with six catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.
The Panthers travel to take on the Commanders in Week 7.
