Panthers checked boxes versus Falcons

The Carolina Panthers checked boxes versus Atlanta Falcons

The Carolina Panthers were facing an Atlanta Falcons team that was primed to come to Bank of America Stadium and put an end to the Panthers’ undefeated season.

Well, the Falcons left Bank of America Stadium battered and bruised, losing 38-0 to the Panthers, who remained undefeated and now sit at 13-0.

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With the victory, the Panthers clinched a first round bye for the playoffs.

Knowing the Panthers won the game, pretty much eliminates if they checked the boxes for the key factors in the game, or not, but still, how well were the boxes checked.

The first factor was the Josh Norman versus Julio Jones matchup. Jones ended the day with seven receptions for 88 yards.   But all of these receptions were not on Norman.

Norman who finished with five total tackles took Jones out of the game. Jones was a nonfactor. Norman did the same thing he has done all year, shut down the opposing team’s number one receiver. Box checked for Norman.

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. The Carolina Panthers remain undefeated with a 38-0 win over Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The second factor was the play of Matt Ryan. Overall, Ryan finished by completing 22 of his 34 pass attempts for 224 yards. However, Ryan’s overall factor was that he was really not ever in the game.

He threw an interception and also was sacked three times, including two fumbles, one of which he lost.

Ryan’s play was so bad he was benched for backup Sean Renfree, who looked just as bad. Renfree also threw an interception and he was sacked twice, while only having eleven yards passing.

Box two checked for the Panthers.

The third factor, Devonta Freeman’s play. Freeman, who started the season playing so well, but had not rushed for more than 50 yards over his last three games, was another nonfactor in this game. Freeman had 40 yards rushing on 12 rushing attempts.

He also had three receptions for 22 yards, but his impact on the game was none.

Third box checked by the Panthers.

Not only did the Panthers get the victory, they checked all the boxes.