{"id":49493,"date":"2018-09-17T06:11:32","date_gmt":"2018-09-17T10:11:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=49493"},"modified":"2018-09-17T06:11:32","modified_gmt":"2018-09-17T10:11:32","slug":"drops-loom-large-as-carolina-panthers-fall-short-against-divisional-rival-atlanta-falcons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2018\/09\/17\/drops-loom-large-as-carolina-panthers-fall-short-against-divisional-rival-atlanta-falcons\/","title":{"rendered":"Drops Loom Large as Carolina Panthers Fall Short Against Divisional Rival Atlanta Falcons"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Carolina Panthers<\/a> faced their first road test of the 2018 season when they visited Mercedes-Benz stadium for the second time since its creation. Hopefully, this won\u2019t be the last time the Panthers play in Atlanta this season. The Falcons will be hosting the Super Bowl in their shiny new venue this February, but the Panthers didn\u2019t look like a contender today. At least not for the first three quarters. Drops were an issue as the Carolina Panthers fall short against their divisional rival.<\/p>\n

The season is long. You can\u2019t extrapolate a two-game sample and predict just what will happen in this league, but thus far the Panthers look like a work in progress. They came out cold and kept couldn\u2019t put it together before it was too late. The injuries on the offensive line and numerous drops forced Cam Newton<\/a><\/strong> to put the team on his back, and once again he just couldn\u2019t do it on his own. The Carolina Panthers lost to the Atlanta Falcons 31-24.<\/p>\n

Drops Loom Large as Carolina Panthers Fall Short Against Divisional Rival Atlanta Falcons<\/h1>\n

Offensive Line:<\/h2>\n

Surprisingly enough, the Panthers demise wasn\u2019t a direct result of poor offensive line play. A makeshift front line held strong for Cam Newton all day in pass protection allowing only two sacks and five QB hits. These weren\u2019t phenomenal numbers or results early on, especially in the run game, but considering that the starting left tackle, Chris Clark<\/a>, <\/strong>was on his couch last week I think there is a lot to be optimistic about here. This offense still badly misses Greg Olsen<\/a> <\/strong>and Daryl Williams<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Cam Newton:<\/h2>\n

Cam Newton\u2019s \u201cSuperman\u201d nickname has been well deserved throughout his career. Carrying a weak Panthers receiving corps and fighting through questionable play calling has defined him. Now with a new offensive coordinator in Norv Turner and a plethora of shiny new weapons, you\u2019d think the Panthers would be unstoppable. It\u2019s not that easy, especially when Cam Newton\u2019s safety blanket Greg Olsen is injured. The Panthers started slowly today, but instead of rolling over and taking the loss as we\u2019ve seen in recent years, Carolina fought back and had a chance to tie the game on the last play today. That\u2019s progress in itself. Cam Newton is a superstar quarterback in this league, and when it all comes together in this new offense we will look fondly back at this game as a stepping stone to success.<\/p>\n

Newton\u2019s stat line: 32\/45 | 335 yards | 3 TDs | 1 INT<\/p>\n

Through two games he has posted a 69% completion rating.<\/p>\n

This rating would\u2019ve been even higher if it weren\u2019t for numerous drops that derailed the offense.<\/p>\n

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Why comp % is an awful stat. Cam delivers an absolute dime to Thomas who drops it. pic.twitter.com\/duzevJ1ZUt<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) September 16, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ian Thomas<\/a><\/strong> dropped a would-be touchdown pass that hit him in between the numbers. CJ Anderson popped a dump off pass up into the air, which was intercepted in the fourth quarter. These mistakes can\u2019t be made moving forward if the Panthers expect to compete in a division that has suddenly become a four-horse race after a 2-0 start by Tampa Bay. Cam Newton has not been the reason why this offense struggles in the passing game. Panthers General Manager Marty Hurney should be making calls to the Browns regarding Josh Gordon<\/a><\/strong> if they want to get serious about winning in their window.<\/p>\n

Run Defense:<\/h2>\n

The Panthers front seven is usually stout. Today they were not. The Panthers had gone 21 consecutive games without yielding a hundred-yard rusher. Falcons running back Tevin Coleman<\/a> <\/strong>finished the game with 107 yards on 16 carries. The Panthers recorded just two hits on Matt Ryan<\/a> all game. Before the Falcons final drive, they were averaging well over eight yards per carry.<\/p>\n

The Falcons did a fantastic job of spreading the Panthers defense out and forcing them to play on their heels, but this was an unacceptable performance. Carolina will not be successful against anyone, much less the lineup of hall of fame quarterbacks on their schedule, applying virtually no pressure in the pocket. Panthers defensive coordinator Eric Washington<\/a><\/strong> will need to inspire his guys to get to Andy Dalton<\/a> <\/strong>next week, or else they could be in for another long game.<\/p>\n

Scoring Summary<\/h2>\n

First Quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n