Carolina Panthers Week 16 performance analysis vs. Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers performance grades following a seventh straight loss.

A seventh consecutive loss for the Carolina Panthers officially ended all pipe dreams for a return to the playoffs. After a promising start, the worst stretch of games for coach Ron Rivera and his team continued with another uphill battle upcoming next week at New Orleans.

Quarterback Taylor Heinicke received his first start in place of Cam Newton and after leading a well executed opening drive, battled through an injury in an attempt to help the Panthers keep pace. It wasn’t enough as Carolina dropped their third straight and final home game of the year.

Quarterback – D
Heinicke competed but, like Newton, was under constant pressure. His red zone struggles and three interceptions brought down a solid opening drive and touchdown pass to rookie tight end Ian Thomas.

Running Back – A
Running back Christian McCaffrey set franchise records for receptions at both his individual position and overall. He also rushed for 101 yards but failed to find the end zone in any capacity, in what was likely his last outing of the year.

Receivers – D
Thomas recorded his first career touchdown and Jarius Wright rebounded after an early fumble with seven catches and 69 yards but drops and miscues limited this group’s production. Devin Funchess continues to be a non-factor down the stretch.

Offensive Line – D-
Continuing their late season struggles, the offensive line didn’t do any favors for Heinicke as he replaced Newton. Allowing two sacks, in addition to numerous other hits, the line couldn’t contain the Falcons pass rush.

Defensive Line – D+

After a positive performance against New Orleans, the defensive front relapsed with their lack of pressure on Matt Ryan. Minus a single strip-sack from Kyle Love, the defensive line lacked consistency and allowed nearly 200 yards of rushing to Atlanta.

More from Cat Crave

Linebacker – B-
The linebacker duo of Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis combined for 11 tackles, leading the team with six and five, respectively. Hopefully, it wasn’t the final game inside Bank of America Stadium for Davis.

Secondary – D-
Plagued by allowing big plays through the air all season, more occurred on Sunday. Ryan completed three passes in excess of 30-yards including scoring strikes of 44 and 75 yards.

Special Teams – A
Kenjon Barner added nice returns on both kick and punt return while specialists Michael Palardy and fill-in Chandler Catanzaro continued their solid performances. Catanzaro nailed his only field goal attempt, a 50-yard try in the second quarter.

Next. Eye On the Future. dark

After suffering another loss, the Panthers could rest many of their starters during the final week of regular season play.

Home/Carolina Panthers News