Atlanta Falcons

Roaring Recap: Panthers 33 - Falcons 48

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The panic button hasn’t been pressed, but falling to 1-3 the Carolina Panthers now have their finger on it…

After facing two dominant defenses during the first three weeks of the season, the Carolina Panthers were excited for the opportunity to go against the Falcons. Entering the game, Atlanta ranked 30th in the NFL for total defense but performed at a high level on Sunday. Pressuring Carolina quarterback Cam Newton throughout the game and ultimately causing his exit in the fourth quarter due to a viscous hit at the goal line. Attempting a 2-point conversion, Newton appeared to let up as he was crossing into the end zone and was met by Deion Jones in a helmet-to-helmet collision. Backup Derek Anderson replaced Newton for the remainder of the game.

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is hit by Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Deion Jones (45) at the goal line on a two point conversion play during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Despite being down 24 points in the fourth quarter, Anderson pulled the Panthers within one score at two different points before the final whistle. With the win, Atlanta sits alone atop the NFC South division by two games in their quest to supplant the Panthers stronghold.

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Jacob Tamme (83) scores a touchdown catch against Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

FIRST QUARTER: 14-0, ATLANTA

Following a Carolina punt to open the game, the Atlanta Falcons offense took the field and never looked back. Right from the start it was apparent that Matt Ryan and Julio Jones were going to test the Carolina secondary. Three straight passes to Jones began the Falcons first drive that resulted in a Jacob Tamme touchdown catch. The Panthers would punt again before Atlanta added on to the lead from 98-yards out in six plays. Jones ended the quarter with four catches and 94-yards, unfortunately, he was just getting warmed up.

Next: Second Quarter

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

SECOND QUARTER: 17-10, ATLANTA

Following a slow start on offense, the Carolina defense turned in a big play to help spark the sideline early in the second quarter. Veteran Thomas Davis tipped a Ryan pass that was secured by Kurt Coleman and returned eight yards for the Panthers first touchdown. After trading field goals, Carolina finally forced a Falcons punt just under the two-minute warning. However, the Panthers could not capitalize and trailed by a touchdown at the half.

Jones concluded the half with seven catches and 170-yards for the Falcons.

Next: Third Quarter

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper (81) scores a touchdown against Carolina Panthers cornerback Bene

THIRD QUARTER: 31-10, ATLANTA

Atlanta took over the ball game in the third quarter scoring on both of their possessions. The second half started with kick returner Eric Weems getting tackled down at the one-yard line after initially missing the kickoff. A glimmer of hope turned to despair as Atlanta drove 99-yards in ten plays to open the half with another touchdown. Tight end Austin Hooper managed to get wide open in the secondary and walked in for his first NFL touchdown. Opposite, Carolina ran six plays for seven yards in the quarter as the Falcons defense forced two three-and-out series against the Panthers.

Next: Fourth Quarter

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

FOURTH QUARTER: 48-33, ATLANTA

After another field goal, Carolina trailed by 24 points with just over 13 minutes remaining in the game. The Falcons entered a ‘prevent’ defensive mode and Carolina was finally able to generate some offense. Newton found Kelvin Benjamin for a touchdown, but would pay a price on the ensuing conversion attempt. Though he converted the attempt and pulled Carolina within two scores, Newton left after suffering a concussion on the hit by Jones and did not return.

The Carolina defense would answer with a three-and-out, followed by back-up Derek Anderson leading another touchdown scoring drive from 94-yards out. Anderson found tight end Greg Olsen for the score and two-point conversion, cutting the lead to one possession. However, Atlanta would answer in one play as Jones hauled in a 75-yard touchdown catch and run to extend the Falcons lead.

Anderson would answer again and pull the Panthers within eight for a second time. The defense would hold, leaving Carolina an opportunity to tie but Robert Alford would seal the victory for Atlanta with an interception and touchdown scored on the return.

Next: Final Recap

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs for a touchdown against Carolina Panthers cornerback Bene

Julio Jones torched the Panthers secondary with 300-yards on 12 receptions while adding a touchdown. Ryan finished with over 500-yards through the air as Atlanta’s offense dominated throughout the afternoon. Carolina showed a willingness to compete and continue the fight into the fourth quarter, but could never muster enough offense to make the game feel competitive.

Following the game, Coach Ron Rivera would not address any questions regarding the health of Newton. Rivera stated that he purposefully did not ask for a medical update on the reigning MVP so that he wouldn’t have to relay any health related issues, other than stating the Newton had entered the concussion protocol required by the league.

Pass rush, secondary, offensive line, play calling – the Panthers could point at a variety of areas for the early season struggles, especially on Sunday. How the team responds next week will answer a lot about the status of the Carolina Panthers moving forward in 2016.

Following the loss, the Panthers are 1-3 a quarter of a way through the regular season. A prime time matchup at home against the Buccaneers awaits next week.

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