10 quick thoughts on Carolina Panthers loss at the Falcons in Week 8
By Dean Jones
D.J. Moore’s dramatic day
After his best statistical performance of the season in Week 7, there was hope D.J. Moore could build on this against a suspect Atlanta Falcons secondary missing stud cornerback A.J. Terrell. But once again – through no fault of his own – the wideout just couldn’t get going early on.
However, that told just half the story.
Moore finished the day with six receptions from 11 targets for 152 receiving yards. This included a dramatic touchdown late on and a penalty that resulted in the game going to overtime, which proved so costly in the long run.
Carolina Panthers’ special teams were poor
The strides made on special teams under coach Chris Tabor didn’t translate into Week 8. This was arguably the unit’s worst collective performance of the campaign, allowing the Falcons’ strong field position almost from start to finish.
This is an often overlooked part of the game. But in a contest such as this decided by fine margins, it was disappointing to see and out of character from what we’ve witnessed in 2022 so far.
Carolina Panthers couldn’t contain Kyle Pitts
It’s been a rough start to the season for Kyle Pitts, but the tight end was at his brilliant best against the Panthers on Sunday. It didn’t matter who was lined up on the former first-round selection, he continuously made things happen in critical moments.
Atlanta schemed things up well to get Pitts involved. Something the Panthers found difficult to counteract as the Florida product finished the day with five receptions for 80 receiving yards and one touchdown.