Falcons players shrugged off the idea that taking a bus to Charlotte contributed in any way to their 28-19 loss.
D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution wonders where Falcons DE John Abraham has been this season.
DE Chauncey Davis blocked a field goal in the third quarter, the first time the Falcons have done that since last season against the Chargers.
The Falcons left cornerbacks, Brent Grimes and Tye Hill, struggled to contain Panthers receivers Muhsin Muhammed and Steve Smith.
Said Falcons coach Mike Smith, “The thing that we have to do is we have to go back and watch some tape and make the corrections and get to where we’re hitting on all cylinders and playing for 60 minutes. I don’t think that we’re sustaining the level of play that we need to be successful.”
The Panthers offense thrived when they went with a no-huddle approach.
Panthers DE Julius Peppers was limited to playing on passing downs because of a hand injury.
The tackle by Panthers P Jason Baker on a long return by Falcons WR Eric Weems helped save the game for his team.
Panthers running backs Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams combined for 174 yards rushing and Stewart had a pair of touchdowns.
Rookie Panthers S Sherrod Martin picked off a pass for the third time in as many weeks.
For more on the Falcons and Panthers, Mike Florio has the full Morning Aftermath right here.