Steve Wilks’ Carolina Panthers did what Steve Wilks’ Carolina Panthers have largely done—compete. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
Here’s everything we know from Week 11’s loss.
Final score: Ravens 13, Panthers 3
Keys to the game
- Carolina’s defense gave a great account of themselves throughout the afternoon, holding this game close into the fourth quarter. Prior to running back Kenyan Drake’s 29-yard run and quarterback Lamar Jackson’s 1-yard touchdown run in that fourth, the Panthers held the NFL’s second-best rushing offense to just 79 yards on 21 carries.
- The Panthers, however, couldn’t get anything going with their own offense—and it had a ton to do with their inept passing attack. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who ate three sacks on the day, completed 21 of his 33 attempts for 196 yards and two interceptions.
- Baltimore also held Carolina’s ground game—the team’s offensive bread and butter—to just 36 yards in 17 tries.
It was over when . . .
After a 37-yard field goal by Justin Tucker gave the Ravens a 6-3 lead, the Panthers started their first possession of the fourth quarter at the 8:27 mark. On the second play of the touch, wide receiver Shi Smith coughed up what was a 6-yard catch—with Baltimore cornerback Marlon Humphrey making the recovery.
The Ravens then pieced together a quick two-play, 31-yard touchdown drive—one that ended in a 1-yard touchdown run for Jackson and an insurmountable 13-3 lead with just over seven minutes remaining.
Players of the game
- LB Frankie Luvu: 10 tackles, 1.0 sack
- DT Bravvion Roy: one tackle, one interception
- P Johnny Hekker: six punts (four inside the 20-yard line), 44.2-yard average
What's next?
The 3-8 Panthers will head back home to host the Denver Broncos in Week 12.
