Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons game recap: Everything we know
After going without a win for over a month, the Carolina Panthers weren’t about getting a trick over a treat in their Week 8 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.
Here’s everything you have to know about their happy Halloween on Sunday.
Final Score: Panthers 19, Falcons 13
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Keys to the game
AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
The Panthers stayed committed to the run. Their offense controlled the game by pounding the rock for season-highs in attempts (47) and yards (203). As a result, they dominated the time-of-possession battle by over 11 minutes.
That commitment, in turn, limited quarterback Sam Darnold’s usually frantic activity. The fourth-year passer attempted just 24 passes and didn’t cost Carolina the game through ill-advised turnovers.
With the returns of linebacker Shaq Thompson and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, the defense completely clamped down. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had his hot streak stopped, as he was held to just 146 yards and tossed two picks. Additionally, Atlanta ran for just 82 yards and converted on only three of their 10 third-down tries.
It was over when . . .
AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
Welcome home, Stephon.
With the Panthers up 9 coming out of the last two-minute warning of the game, Gilmore picked off Ryan at the Carolina 15-yard line on a 15-yard attempt to tight end Kyle Pitts. Despite an added three points later on by kicker Younghoe Koo with 16 seconds remaining—it was too little, too late for the Falcons.
That, folks, is what they call the “Gilly Lock.”
Players of the game
AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
LB Shaq Thompson: 10 total tackles (one for a loss), interception
RB Chuba Hubbard: 24 carries, 82 yards, touchdown
K Zane Gonzalez: four-of-four (with a career-long 57-yarder) on field goal attempts
What's next?
AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
Back at .500, the 4-4 Panthers will get home to welcome in the Cam Newton-less New England Patriots in Week 9.
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