Following a last-second field goal by Younghoe Koo, the Panthers trail the Falcons 16-14 at halftime of their Thursday night Week 8 matchup.
Here’s how things are going in all three phases.
Offense
Curtis Samuel is doing a bit of everything for the Panthers early on. He’s scored two touchdowns, once as a rusher and another as a receiver on a beautiful 32-yard flea-flicker pass. He’s also picked up another key third down conversion. Teddy Bridgewater is taking far too many hits on blitzes, but he’s picked up 100 yards and has a perfect passer rating at the half for the second straight week.
Defense
Carolina’s secondary is really missing Rasul Douglas, who remains on the team’s COVID-19/reserve list. Julio Jones posted 85 yards in the first quarter alone and he’s done most of his damage one-on-one against Donte Jackson. However, Jackson did get a pick on a pass Matt Ryan floated with Brian Burns bearing down on him. Rookie cornerback Troy Pride Jr. also looks completely out of his depth again. The Panthers have defended the run relatively well, though. Todd Gurley has only eight yards on five carries and Atlanta is averaging 4.1 yards per rush.
Special teams
With the offense humming, Joey Slye hasn’t had to test his leg yet on a field goal attempt. Pharoh Cooper has 20 yards on one return and the Falcons are helping him out with penalties.
The Panthers receive to begin the second half.
