Panthers’ bid for perfect season ends with loss to Falcons

(AP Photo/John Bazemore). Atlanta Falcons free safety Charles Godfrey (30) reacts to breaking up a Carolina Panthers pass during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, in Atlanta.

Jones made the key play in the Falcons’ win, going way up to beat two defenders and catch a 70-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eric Decker 2:37 into overtime gave the New York Jets a dramatic – and potentially controversial – 26-20 win over the New England Patriots. Atlanta was barely breathing in the NFC Wild Card race at 7-7.

The Panthers scored 21 points on the first 18 plays of the game and amassed 260 yards in the first quarter. That put the 8-7 Texans in position to clinch the AFC South title outright as early as Monday night if Cincinnati wins at Denver. They forced four turnovers and turned them into 17 points. He was 15 of 29 passes for 295 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

This sucks, but the Panthers have time to turn their mindset around, and not let this loss impact a truly magical season. Ryan pointed deep downfield to a streaking Jones, then heaved the ball into double coverage.

“I know the team depends on me”, Jones said. Carolina WR Ted Ginn Jr. suffered a knee injury in the first half and left the game…. Carolina remains on the inside line for a Super Bowl berth. A league-high 10 Carolina Panthers were selected to the Pro Bowl: QB Cam Newton, RB Jonathan Stewart, FB Mike Tolbert, OG Trai Turner, C Ryan Kalil, TE Greg Olsen, LBs Jamie Collins and Luke Kuechly and CB Josh Norman….

Cleveland quarterback Johnny Manziel kept the Browns in the game.

Jones had his way with the Panthers’ defense, grabbing nine catches for 178 yards and that unbelievable touchdown.

Chicago (6-9) got strong running – and zero fumbles – from Jeremy Langford and Matt Forte in handing the Bucs (6-9) their third straight loss.

The victory was only the second in the past six games for the Bears. He threw for two TDs, including a 43-yard Hail Mary toss to Austin Seferian-Jenkins with 1 second remaining.

The Panthers had every opportunity to win this game, not only because of the team’s innate talent but because of Atlanta’s exceptional, generous ability to give away games to its opponents. The last field goal pushed Atlanta’s lead to seven points with 1:30 remaining.

He spiked his helmet in frustration as the Chiefs poured onto the field. Carolina easily drove the ball 80 yards on its first possession for a TD – Newton’s 8-yard draw that he ended by pretending to rock a baby in the end zone. Beasley’s ability to get the ball loose and Adrian Clayborn’s ability to scoop it up all but sealed the win for Atlanta. This Panthers team had handled adversity very well all year, a wake up cal might be just what the doctor ordered. Kellen Moore went 13 of 31 for 186 yards in his first career start for Dallas. Dan Bailey had two field goals for Dallas.

Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater tried to explain the decision.

The Boss Gets the Juice Flowing: Prior to opening kickoff, Arthur Blank walked into the Falcons locker room and, instead of speaking to the players, reportedly did a dance that got everyone pumped up. Having said that, it can also be turned against you in your worst of times; which is exactly what happened to Newton on Sunday.