4 critical observations from Panthers’ gut-wrenching loss at Falcons

What were the critical observations from another gut-wrenching loss for the Carolina Panthers at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8?

Just when this team pulls you back in, they find a way to rip your heart out. Heartbreakingly, the Carolina Panthers fell 37-34 on the road to the Atlanta Falcons, missing the chance to move atop the NFC South, and now find themselves at 2-6 with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.

This was a back-and-forth game that seemed to be heading toward a close finish. Trailing 14-10 at halftime, the Panthers leaned heavily on D’Onta Foreman in the second half, and P.J. Walker turned up in a big way following a disappointing start to put Carolina in the ascendancy.

However, after a Panthers defensive stand, the Falcons were held to a field goal giving them a 34-28 lead with Carolina needing to drive 75 yards in 37 seconds with one timeout remaining. What we saw from Walker was one of the best throws you’ll see this season for a 62-yard touchdown to D.J. Moore.

Unfortunately, Eddy Pineiro missed the extra point, which was pushed back to 48 yards following a Moore penalty for removing his helmet which sent the game to overtime. After a C.J. Henderson interception put the Panthers in field goal range, the kicker dragged his attempt and the rest is history.

This was a body blow to Carolina’s aspirations in 2022. With this in mind, here are four critical observations to take from their gut-wrenching Week 8 loss.