Carolina Panthers: Week 2 Offensive grades at Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 16: Damontae Kazee #27 of the Atlanta Falcons is pushed by Torrey Smith #11 of the Carolina Panthers after a late hit on Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Receivers: C-

Devin Funchess had nine catches but drops continue to haunt the Panthers de facto number one receiver. A crucial third-down drop on the first Carolina possession of the second half turned into a Falcons touchdown just seven plays later.

Torrey Smith earned the respect of Panthers fans for coming to the aid of Newton after the Kazee cheap shot but multiple false start penalties and only three catches on seven targets is not living up to the expectations of a veteran receiver – even with a touchdown.

Rookie tight end Ian Thomas dropped a touchdown pass and wasn’t a factor while Jarius Wright and rookie D.J. Moore continued to make solid cases for more playing time. Moore turned a short pass into a 51-yard score with his only reception.

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