The Carolina Panthers got dismantled by the Atlanta Falcons for the second time this season, losing on the road, 40-20.
Here are a few takeaways from another humbling loss.
The Panthers’ run defense is still terrible
New coach, same results. Devonta Freeman came into today’s divisional matchup averaging just 3.4 yards per carry for the year. The Panthers were unable to contain him, though. Freeman started hot and kept on hammering them throughout the afternoon. In the end, Freeman posted 84 yards on just 17 carries (4.9 yards per run) and scored his first rushing touchdown of the season. Later, Brian Hill replaced Freeman in the lineup and continued the punishment. He averaged 6.9 yards per rush and added another score.
Kyle Allen isn’t getting any better
Carolina’s offensive line didn’t do him any favors (Allen was sacked five times times). However, this was another disappointing performance from No. 7. Apparently learning nothing from the disastrous loss to the Falcons three weeks ago, Allen continued testing Atlanta’s cover 3 defense instead of taking the underneath routes like he should have. Allen kept missing his receivers on deep routes and made some awful decisions. He ended up throwing two interceptions and fumbled twice. He finished the game 27/40 for 288 yards and a 75.8 passer rating. It’s officially Will Grier time.
Donte Jackson got roasted again
Calvin Ridley continues to roast the Panthers, and more specifically, he’s owned cornerback Donte Jackson. Ridley scored his fourth career touchdown against Carolina in as many games in the second quarter when Jackson bit on a fake, leaving Ridley wide open. Ridley left the game early with an injury, posting 76 yards on five catches. Jackson wasn’t done getting burned, though. Later on, Olamide Zaccheaus beat Jackson deep and scored on a back-breaking 93-yard touchdown thrown by Matt Ryan from his own end zone.
Perry Fewell, Scott Turner learn how deep they’re in
Jackson should have had safety help over the top on that play, but interim head coach Perry Fewell called a zero blitz. While Tre Boston made contact with Ryan as he threw, it was just a split second too late and cost the Panthers dearly. Fewell did save his team 19 yards on an early challenge. This was a pretty rough debut, though.
As for the offense, Turner had an ugly first series that ended in a three-and-out. He seemed to settle in as the game went on, though. Turner got the team’s young play-makers involved in new ways, especially tight end Ian Thomas and wide receiver Curtis Samuel, who was featured more as a rusher. There’s potential here, but it will be difficult to fairly gauge Turner’s skill as a play-caller with the quarterback floundering like this.
