Carolina Panthers: Week 2 Defensive grades at Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 16: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons throws a pass during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line: F

Carolina sacked Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott six times last week and Ryan was barely under any pressure throughout the entire game. The one time he was hurried and almost sacked it resulted in an interception but for much of the game he operated in a clean pocket – and it showed.

Ryan completed all but five passes, threw two touchdowns and ran for another pair as Carolina allowed him out of the pocket and never accounted for him opting to do anything with his legs. Not only did the front line of defense fail to generate pressure, but they repeatedly were blocked creating difficult tackles for linebackers on free running backs and gashed for big plays more than once.

It was a a dismal performance and one that came somewhat as a surprise after such a good debut last week.

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