Sep 16, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) fakes a handoff and runs against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The I-85 rivalry was renewed when the Carolina Panthers traveled south to take on the Atlanta Falcons in an early key NFC South contest. The game was not decided until the final play and the Falcons were able to hang on for a 31-24 victory.
The Panthers had a chance to tie the game and force overtime with five seconds remaining, but a 31-yard pass from Cam Newton to DJ Moore bounced off the fingertips of the rookie receiver in the end zone with no time remaining on the clock.
Carolina scored a field goal on their first possession of the game only to see Atlanta answer with a field goal of their own. After a cheap shot, personal foul and ejection penalty by Falcon safety Damontae Kazee on a late hit blow to the head of Cam Newton, the Panthers scored the game’s first touchdown on a 5-yard pass from Newton to Jarred Wright to take a 10-3 lead. Atlanta scored 14 unanswered points to take 17-10 halftime lead.
The Falcons were able to lead most of the second half by two scores before Carolina rallied in the fourth quarter.
Atlanta was able to solve its problem on not being able to score in the red zone today with Falcon quarterback Matt Ryan running for two touchdowns and passing for two more scores. Newton passed for three touchdowns for the Panthers. Christian McCaffery tied a Carolina Panther record for most receptions in a game with 14.
Atlanta’s Tevin Coleman snapped Carolina’s league-best streak of 21 games not allowing a 100-yard rusher. Coleman rushed for 107 yards.
Next week Atlanta will host division rival New Orleans and Carolina will host the Cincinnati Bengals.
