SECOND QUARTER
The Panthers’ drive that started within the first quarter resulted in a three-and-out, however the Falcons’ offense mustered simply six performs earlier than turning the ball over. Cousins accomplished an 8-yard move to large receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III, who fumbled the ball whereas reaching ahead for a primary down. Panthers linebacker Trevin Wallace recovered it.
At first, McCloud was dominated down after his catch and appeared to have management of the ball till he hit the turf. The Panthers challenged the play, although. And upon additional assessment, the decision was reversed to a fumble.
Carolina used the turnover to retake the lead. Kicker Eddy Pineiro made a 24-yard discipline aim after an eight-play, 36-yard drive stalled out on the Atlanta 5-yard line. An incomplete move on third-and-5, compelled by good strain from the Falcons’ move rushers, introduced up the fourth down.
The Panthers’ lead did not final lengthy. Robinson scored on a 7-yard run on the subsequent drive, which lasted 5 performs for 76 yards. Tight finish Kyle Pitts’ 52-yard reception coated the vast majority of the gap. Panthers cornerback Chau Smith-Wade was penalized for a low block on the scoring play, and the Falcons selected to make use of that penalty to maneuver to the 1-yard line for a 2-point conversion.. Allgeier pushed by to the tip zone, validating the choice.
Carolina punted on its ensuing drive. Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison obtained a hand on the punt, and cornerback Clark Phillips III returned it 15 yards to the Panthers’ 37-yard line. There was an offensive holding penalty on the play that gave Atlanta one other 10 yards, so the Falcons’ offense had prime beginning place when it got here out.
The Falcons coated the remaining 27 yards shortly, too. On the fifth play of the drive, Cousins accomplished a 3-yard move to large receiver Drake London in the long run zone to pad their lead with lower than two minutes till halftime.
That is all of the Panthers wanted to attain. They strung collectively an eight-play, 76-yard drive to tighten the rating proper earlier than the halfway mark. Dalton accomplished a 7-yard move to large receiver Xavier Legette.
The Falcons held a five-point lead once they headed to the locker room.
Panthers: Eddy Pineiro 24-yard discipline aim … 10-7, CAR
Falcons: Bijan Robinson 7-yard run; 2-point run … 15-10, ATL
Falcons: Kirk Cousins 3-yard move to Drake London; PAT good … 22-10, ATL
Panthers: Andy Dalton 7-yard move to Xavier Legette; PAT good … 22-17, ATL
HALFTIME: Falcons 22, Panthers 17