Fansided

Panthers edge arch-rival Falcons, 20-17

By John Buhler

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 05: Mario Addison
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 05: Mario Addison /
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The Carolina Panthers defeated the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday afternoon in Week 9, 20-17. Here are the highlights, the game recap and the final score.

In a game that went down to the wire, the Carolina Panthers were able to knock off their arch rivals at home, taking down the Atlanta Falcons 20-17 on Sunday afternoon in Charlotte. Carolina improves to 6-3 on the year, while Atlanta falls back to .500 at 4-4 on the season.

Atlanta took a 10-0 lead into the second quarter. The Falcons were looking like they were the better team in the first half, then Atlanta does what it does best: blow leads. Atlanta would surrender two touchdowns inside of two minutes remaining in the second quarter. Carolina would take a 14-10 lead into the half.

From there, Atlanta struggled to stay in the game, while Carolina pushed the Falcons around for most of the third quarter. The Panthers got good games out of both quarterback Cam Newton and rookie running back Christian McCaffrey in the ground game. Atlanta would hang around until late in the fourth quarter.

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Though the Falcons would tack on a Tevin Coleman touchdown late to make things interesting, Atlanta lacked execution in the passing game all day. Julio Jones would drop a gimme touchdown on a fourth-down heave by quarterback Matt Ryan late in the fourth quarter.

Carolina has figured out a recipe for success this season. Though this team isn’t as dominant as it was two years ago, this Panthers defense is excellent. It goes as its best player in inside linebacker Luke Kuechly goes. He played out of his mind today, as he does most weeks.

For Atlanta, the Falcons aren’t entirely out of it, as they still have five division games still left on the slate. This was a game that Atlanta could have definitely won, but the Panthers with more poise than the Falcons.

These two teams will meet again in Atlanta and it should be another good game in a few weeks. For now, Carolina remains only half a game back of the division-leading New Orleans Saints, while Atlanta is two back of arch rival New Orleans. Look for Carolina to build off this win heading into the second half of the season. This just isn’t Atlanta’s year.

Three Stars

  1. Luke Kuechly: Kuechly had 11 tackles, three solo.
  2. Christian McCaffrey: McCaffrey had 15 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown. He also had five catches for 28 yards.
  3. Julio Jones: Jones had six catches for 118 yards.

Highlights

Next Game

Atlanta will have a huge game at home next week in Week 10. The Falcons will be hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday afternoon on Nov. 12. FOX will have the telecast coming from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta at 4:25 p.m. ET.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: 30 Best QB of All-Time

The Panthers will have an extra day to get ready for their Week 10 game. Carolina will host the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football on Nov. 13. ESPN will have the 8:30 p.m. ET national telecast from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

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