Falcons win 31-24, Coleman runs-Ryan’s 4 TDs wreck Panthers ‘D’ rep

The Panthers still had trouble in Atlanta, continuing their recent history.

First, the good news about the last second pass to D.J. Moore that he tapped several times in the end zone between defenders before falling incomplete and the Panthers lost to Falcons 31-24. Good news: Three different receivers (Jarius Wright, Torrey Smith, and Moore, on an in-stride 51-yard strike) found pay-dirt on Sunday, right now we’re tied in second place, and it *was* a pretty solid final drive over 1:48.

All week I’d been thinking about Moore and Funchess going up in red zone for throws, just a little air under it and let receivers/best man win the jump ball. Maybe next time on where last shot goes, and there aren’t moral victories against the Falcons, and it’s okay that Tampa’s QB (Ryan Fitzpatrick 27/33, 402 yds./4TD, 1 INT) had another insane week, beating Philly 27-21 and are 2-0 leaders in NFC South, just so it’s not the Falcons. Jameis who…?

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Yeah, everyone saw some offensive heroics (439 net yards), starting with C.J. Anderson’s 22-yard run on game’s first play, and there was a major dose of Christian McCaffrey in ‘check down receiver role’—tying Steve Smith’s club record (11/20/05) of 14 for 102 yards, plus eight rushes for 37. Cam Newton was 32/45, 335 yds/, 3TDs/1 INT, and added 42 yards on five carries. That’s a taste of what 71% looks like early on though, and just about *any other day* that much of a contribution probably would’ve been a Win.

After harassing Dak Prescott (Dallas) with six sacks last week and Devonta Freeman being out this game, front seven pressure on Ryan- who is not rated as ‘mobile’- was anticipated. Instead, Freeman’s buddy Tevin Coleman repeatedly (16/107) gashed the Panther’s defense, becoming the first 100 yard rusher against them in 21 games. Ito Smith also had 9/46, and ‘Matty Ice’ (Ryan) riddled the secondary with a 23/28/272 yard, 2 TD surgery session, adding two *RUSHING TDs* and NO sacks, which isn’t going to look good in the ratings OR with Eric Washington during film sessions.

That two (relatively unknown) broadcasters noted Luke Kuechly missed three tackles was a microcosm of a unit whose reputation took a beating. Don’t bother asking Mario Addison about that any time soon though, he’s made his views known about not receiving much (or enough) love-respect and burning ‘G2X’ shirts isn’t necessary. Coach Washington is getting ready for Cincinnati now, it only counts as one loss, and yes, while the Falcons were 4-of-4 in the red zone, it’s still just one loss.

James Bradberry held Julio Jones (5/64) in check overall, and Donte Jackson got his first pick guarding Calvin Ridley (4/64, one touchdown), and his ‘turn and burn’ factor while chasing Coleman down after getting juked early was the most impressive play on defense all day. Falcons offense was great on 3^rd down conversions last year for a reason, and Sunday that reason was Tevin Coleman.

‘Matty Ice’ (Ryan) riddled the secondary with a 23/28/272 yard, 2 TD surgery session, adding two *RUSHING TDs* and NO sacks, which isn’t going to look good in the ratings OR with Eric Washington during film sessions.

A LOT of different contributors on offense was a fact- and whatever Jarius Wright gets in a weekly paycheck, its been a great investment by Marty Hurney. Newton had a career high 32 completions, and CMC is going to be the poster boy for ‘Really Really Good’ beginning now. He made great adjustments on several catches, and those same sportscasters commented about him coming to camp at 205, with a couple more well-ripped pounds on his arms and success in breaking tackles. That 14-catch day- especially one where he got *thumped* and showed same power running as against Cowboys by making 11 yards-first down is going to keep defensive coordinators (other than Washington) awake a little longer before playing Carolina.

Funchess was targeted nine times, caught seven for 77 yards, and a long of 27. He seems very leader-professional now- caught a sideline throw with toes barely in, then smartly gave himself up as ‘down’ on catch in the middle before final play. Good to see Newton throwing to Funchess in tight spaces, he shows belief in his receivers. Wright had five catches on seven targets and 62 yds/1 TD, and doesn’t  fear sticking his nose in for a reception. Anderson carried 3/31 yds, and of no small note, after a couple misses, Ian Thomas had two catches for 10 yards, including an important first down grab on the final drive.

When THE NORV TURNER OFFENSE was coming to town and the team speed situation was addressed in free agency and draft, this was essentially what production was supposed to look like. It’s not cheating to drop off a bunch of passes to a fast, talented guy like CMC. In back-to-back games the Panthers have been physically dominant on defense once, and the offense has shown its versatility once. It’s not just a home town-c’mon guys! wish that defensive mojo comes back against the Bengals, it’s an expectation. Yes, a couple more carries for Anderson would be worth trying- Rivera still likes his ball control- and maybe an UP ball or three to Funchess or Moore in the red zone…

Congrats to Smith, Wright, Moore for their first touchdowns as Panthers, and the offensive line for not losing anyone. Hurricane Florence wasn’t as terrifying a disaster in Charlotte as continued rain on Monday could’ve made it, and McCaffrey brings a smile about working on his post-touchdown presentation (in commercials), doesn’t he? Looking forward to Bengals!