The Falcons won their second straight game since the team’s Week 9 bye, defeating the Panthers, 29-3, in Week 11. Here are three takeaways from Sunday’s NFC South battle.
Last week wasn’t a fluke
The Falcons played probably their best first half all season, holding Carolina scoreless and recording multiple sacks and interceptions. The team would finish with four interceptions of Panthers QB Kyle Allen, and overall brought the same type of pressure we saw last week against the Saints. Dan Quinn is still on the hot seat, but right now his message is obviously getting through. Will it be too little, too late? Probably, but crazier things have happened.
Ridley stepped up big in Hooper’s absence
Calvin Ridley finished with eight catches on eight targets for 143 yards and a touchdown. With breakout tight end Austin Hooper out for the foreseeable future, Ridley has the chance to show he’s capable of being the Falcons’ No. 2 receiving option. After his first game without Hooper or former Atlanta WR Mohamed Sanu, it looks like Ridley is more than up to the challenge.
Desmond Trufant is a difference-maker
Trufant made a beautiful interception, undercutting his man to pick off Panthers QB Kyle Allen in the red zone. It was one of four Falcons interceptions on the day, and you have to assume Trufant’s veteran presence played a role in the unit’s disciplined play.
