5 major factors behind Carolina Panthers’ win at the Falcons in Week 8

What were the major factors behind a much-needed victory for the Carolina Panthers at their NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons in Week 8?

How it came was irrelevant. Just so long as the Carolina Panthers emerged from their game at the Atlanta Falcons victorious.

In that sense, it was mission accomplished.

The Panthers saved their season with a pleasing display in the circumstances against their NFL South rivals. There are still some elements that need work in pursuit of progression, but the team deserves credit for getting themselves back to 4-4 and ridding themselves of such an embarrassing performance at the New York Giants in Week 7.

Make no mistake, this was a critical win for the Panthers, who need to perform equal to or above this standard to keep things trending in the right direction versus the New England Patriots next Sunday.

With this in mind, here are five major factors behind Carolina’s success at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Major Factor No. 1

Carolina Panthers got turnover-free football from Sam Darnold

This was a do-or-die situation for Sam Darnold. Thankfully for the Panthers, he rose to the occasion and produced a turnover-free game at just the right time.

Darnold’s stats might have looked even better had it not been for some drops in the first half. But this was the best way for the player to respond after what’s been an extremely difficult month before this game.

There is a long way to go for Darnold, who’ll be monitored this week after leaving the contest with a concussion in the fourth quarter. However, this leaves the door slightly open regarding his long-term prospects in Carolina.