The Atlanta Falcons (6-8) are in trouble after losing a second consecutive NFC South matchup in Week 15. The Carolina Panthers (2-12) hit a game-winning field goal to clinch Sunday’s 9-7 victory over the Falcons.
It was just the Panthers’ second win of the season, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time for Atlanta. Here are 10 takeaways from the Falcons’ Week 15 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
1
Falcons crumble in crunch time against NFL's worst team
The Falcons entered Sunday’s game with a lot to play for while the Panthers had next to nothing to play for, but you wouldn’t have thought that from watching. Not only was Atlanta sloppy and predictable on offense, but the team blew a chance to move into first place in the NFC South. The Panthers came into Week 15 allowing over 26 points per game, yet the Falcons managed just seven total points. With the game on the line in the fourth quarter, the offense crumbled and the defense couldn’t get a stop. This lack of preparation falls squarely on head coach Arthur Smith.
2
Desmond Ridder throws costly red-zone interception
Desmond Ridder has made his share of plays in the fourth quarter this season, but his poor play in the first three has consistently hindered this Falcons team. On Sunday, Ridder saved his worst throw of the game for the worst possible time. With the team in the red zone, Ridder rolled out to his left, escaped a defender and threw it right to the Panthers defense for an interception. It’s hard to know exactly what he was thinking since the team was already in field goal range and holding a one-point lead. Simply taking a sack or throwing the ball away there could have potentially saved the Falcons’ season.
3
Falcons defense does its job... again
The defense allowed the Panthers to march down the field with two minutes left and hit the game-winning field goal. While it was frustrating to see the defense come up short on such a crucial drive, Atlanta only gave up nine total points and held Carolina without a touchdown on Sunday. Considering the pieces that the Falcons have on offense, it’s hard to blame the defense for what was an overall solid performance. Earlier in the season, the defense bailed the offense out multiple times, but at some point, this team needs to start scoring points.
4
Bijan has a rare bad day
Bijan had a rough day, finishing with just 11 rushing yards and committing one of two Falcons turnovers. Robinson fumbled the ball in the third quarter. While the rookie did struggle, there’s no conceivable reason that Robinson should ever finish a game with just seven rushing attempts. Tyler Allgeier led the team with 14 carries for 45 rushing yards in Week 15.
5
Jonnu Smith led all players in receiving yards
No, it wasn’t Kyle Pitts, Drake London or Bijan Robinson who made the game’s only big play. Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith caught a pass down the right sideline and took it 56 yards, nearly scoring a touchdown. Cordarrelle Patterson would finish the drive off with a touchdown reception. For the season, Smith has 43 catches for 521 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The veteran tight end led all pass-catchers with 61 yards in Sunday’s game.
6
Injuries catch up to Falcons
The Falcons were without Bud Dupree, Chris Lindstrom, Kaleb McGary, David Onyemata and Drew Dalman (despite being left off the inactives list), and it showed on Sunday. The offensive line couldn’t open up holes in the running game but held up surprisingly well in pass protection. Defensively, the Falcons struggled to stop the run without Onyemata.
7
NFC South standings
| W | L | T | Pct. | PF | PA | Home | Away | |
| Bucs | 7 | 7 | .500 | 296 | 290 | 3-3 | 4-4 | |
| Saints | 7 | 7 | .500 | 309 | 267 | 4-3 | 3-4 | |
| Falcons | 6 | 8 | .429 | 258 | 278 | 3-3 | 3-4 | |
| Panthers | 2 | 12 | .143 | 206 | 348 | 2-4 | 0-8 |
8
What's next for Atlanta?
It’s back to Atlanta for a Week 16 matchup against the red-hot Indianapolis Colts. Gardner Minshew has the Colts in position to potentially win the AFC South. The Falcons will have their work cut out for them as they’ve struggled against teams with winning records this season.
