The Carolina Panthers had an opportunity to improve their seeding. However, they were a “No-Show” against the Falcons.
ATLANTA — The Carolina Panthers came into Atlanta hoping to ruin any chances of the Falcons making it to the post-season. But in order to do so, the Panthers would need their offense to produce. However, Cam Newton and company just couldn’t buy a touchdown, even if it was for free.
“We missed some opportunities,” Panthers coach, Ron Rivera said. “We had some balls ricochet off hands and got intercepted (and) we missed some throws.”
Carolina’s offense was in a rut much of the game. Panthers franchise quarterback, Cam Newton, started the game off 0/9 with roughly 11 minutes to go in the second half. Overall, he finished the night completing 14 of his 34 pass attempts for 180 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions.
Additionally, Newton and Greg Olsen had a lot of rare miscues. The tight end was targeted about nine times but only had one reception.
“We just missed,” Olsen said. “We didn’t play well enough to win (and) we just didn’t play well enough offensively to win.”
Cam Newton mentioned that he needs to be more accurate and the passing game needs to convert on more contested throws. However, he’s looking forward to next Sunday.
“Great thing about this situation is we’ve got another opportunity,” Newton said.
Panthers Moving for to New Orleans:
Falcons quarterback, Matt Ryan, came out and dominated to the best of his abilities. He finished the night completing 28 of his 45 passes for 317 yards. Additionally, he had one touchdown and no turnovers. However, the Panthers defense limited the Falcons to mostly field goals in the second half. Lineback, Shaq Thompson, says it’s time to put this game behind them and focus on the Saints.
“We lost the game,” Thompson said. “But we’re on to New Orleans so that’s what we gotta get ready for.”
The Saints beat the Panthers earlier in the season during Week 3 and then went on a winning streak. They are 2-0 against Carolina this season and Thompson says that means nothing.
“I don’t know the game plan now, but we’re going to be ready,” Thompson said. “The playoffs are a whole different speed. We’re going to be ready and they’re going to be ready.”
Panthers will play the Saints in New Orleans on Sunday, January 7th at 3:40 p.m. (CT) on FOX
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