What were some quick thoughts to take from the Carolina Panthers’ win against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football in Week 10?
All eyes were on the Carolina Panthers for the first time this season as they welcomed the Atlanta Falcons and a primetime audience to Bank of America Stadium in Week 10. An instant chance to start reestablishing respectability after such a crushing loss at the Cincinnati Bengals last time out.
It was embarrassing for all concerned in Cincinnati. The Panthers looked clueless in all phases, only managing to put something together late in proceedings when the result had been decided as early as the second quarter.
Interim head coach Steve Wilks had the opportunity to show the NFL world that things were improving in Carolina despite recent results not reflecting it. As things turned out, they responded well to emerge from an ugly game victorious for their third triumph of the season.
With that in mind, here are ten quick thoughts from Carolina’s win against the Falcons on Thursday Night Football.
Quick Thought No. 1
Carolina Panthers’ uniform looked sensational
There was an enormous amount of excitement in the air as the Carolina Panthers wore their all-black uniform/helmet combination for the first and only time in 2022. Simply put, they looked nothing short of sensational.
Whether this is something the Panthers contemplate for more than one contest per season is anyone’s guess. But it gave their look a newfound grit and style that the blue or white simply doesn’t provide.
Carolina Panthers controlled the tempo early
After getting into a deep hole early in Week 9, it was important for the Carolina Panthers to avoid a similar fate in this one. Thankfully, they were right at it from the outset, controlling the tempo on both sides of the football to settle everyone down in difficult weather conditions.
This seemed to bring a sense of relaxation at a time when it was needed most. It was also a sign that the coaching staff had been working exceptionally hard to prepare this group despite time not being on their side.
Carolina Panthers’ defense came out firing
Last weekend was embarrassing for Carolina’s defense. But judging by the way they began this game, they were eager to put it to the back of their minds.
The Panthers’ defense came to play. It all started up front early and this also bolstered the second level and defensive backs to completely shut down the Atlanta Falcons throughout the half until a field goal with the final play.
This even came with a turnover thanks to Jaycee Horn’s interception, making things difficult for the erratic Marcus Mariota, who made some strange decisions right out of the gate.
A perfect first half for the Carolina Panthers
Considering what unfolded at the Cincinnati Bengals, this was a tremendous response from the Panthers in the first half. They made very few mistakes and played efficient football to take a 10-point lead into the interval.
Things could have gone either way from a confidence standpoint in Week 10. But the early indications showed this group is made of sterner stuff under interim head coach Steve Wilks.
Derrick Brown is a bonafide stud
The emergence of defensive tackle Derrick Brown has been extraordinary. Another dominant display against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football removed any lingering doubts about his status as one of the league’s best interior linemen and the Carolina Panthers are fortunate to have a player of this caliber.
Brown was throwing opposing offensive linemen around like rag dolls and making big plays at will. This is a grown man coming of age and someone the Panthers’ incoming regime can build around for future success.
A mixed 3rd quarter from the Carolina Panthers
One of the biggest thorns in Matt Rhule’s side during his time as head coach was a complete lack of third-quarter efficiency. Something that threatened to rear its head once again during a sloppy spell of football immediately after the break.
Penalties, gap discipline issues, and little production on offense allowed the Falcons back into the contest. However, they responded well late thanks to an impressive drive that was finished off by a D’Onta Foreman run to make it a two-possession game.
This was a positive step in the right direction. Proof that this Carolina team is much better prepared and organized with Wilks at the helm.
Carolina Panthers must extend D’Onta Foreman
Trading Christian McCaffrey and firing Matt Rhule has benefitted nobody more than D’Onta Foreman. The running back is thriving in a lead role, producing another 100-yard rushing game against the Falcons and doing more than enough to suggest an extension could be in the offing before free agency.
The Panthers might still draft a player to compliment Foreman, but the former Texas star is earning the right to secure the No. 1 job beyond the current campaign if things continue in a similar manner down the stretch.
Carolina Panthers OL dominated yet again
Another game, another dominant display from the Carolina Panthers’ offensive line.
One of the NFL’s most improved units got the push needed on running downs and provided enough protection for P.J. Walker to be efficient on a night when throwing the football was a dangerous proposition.
There were a few penalties that drew frustration. But one cannot be anything other than encouraged about this unit’s potential if they stick together over time.
Frankie Luvu delivered for the Carolina Panthers
It appears as if Frankie Luvu is fully healthy again. The outside linebacker was all over the field in Week 10, coming up with dynamic plays in key moments to propel this defense to an outstanding overall performance.
Luvu’s two sacks will generate the headlines. However, his sideline-to-sideline presence from start to finish was equally if not more critical to Carolina getting one over on their NFC South rivals.
Carolina Panthers won’t go down without a fight
While some fans were already looking forward to the 2023 offseason, that’s not the case within the Panthers. They aren’t going to go down without a fight under Steve Wilks, who is trying to reinstall a sense of belonging and culture that went missing during Matt Rhule’s tenure.
The Panthers demonstrated resolve, character, and cohesion in equal measure en route to a well-deserved victory. This feeling might be fleeting with a trip to the Baltimore Ravens upcoming, but the impression left by Wilks has been encouraging, to say the least.