Jones’ 70-yard TD catch lifts Falcons past Panthers, 20-13

ESPN.com reported a number of Falcons, including star receiver Julio Jones, could be seen doing Cam Newton’s signature dab dance after the outcome had been decided. Their performance in an upset of Carolina was their best of the season, given the backdrop of the two teams and what happened two weeks ago in Charlotte (Panthers 38, Falcons 0).

Falcons owner Arthur Blank got in on the dabbing, which is both the latest sign that it is time for a new celebratory craze to sweep the league and that everyone in the Atlanta organization got a little extra satisfaction from the win.

Houston quarterback Brandon Weeden scored his first career rushing touchdown and threw for two more as the Texans took a big step toward clinching the AFC South title by routing the hapless Tennessee Titans 34-6. Case Keenum won his third straight start for the Rams, completing 14 of 23 passes for 103 yards and a 28-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Britt in the second quarter. Atlanta (8-7) also kept its own playoff hopes alive, although a win by either the Seattle Seahawks or Minnesota Vikings later in the day would eliminate the Falcons from postseason contention.

The Falcons’ 20-13 win over the Panthers ended Carolina’s bid for an undefeated season. “I’m going to leave it at that”.

The victory against previously ideal Carolina is one of the biggest highlights of the season for the Falcons (8-7), who had a major slump following a 5-0 start.

“Had it been back a yard, we would have punted it. I kind of made the decision that if we made it to that spot, we would kick it”, Quinn said.

Matt Ryan threw for 306 yards and one touchdown for the Falcons.

Jones got the best of his matchup with Carolina cornerback Josh Norman. Quintin Demps returned a fumble 33 yards for a touchdown less than two minutes into the game. “That’s a good situation to be in”.

The Browns last chance came with 1:52 left as the Cleveland offense moved to the Chiefs 18-yard line. Beasley’s ability to get the ball loose and Adrian Clayborn’s ability to scoop it up all but sealed the win for Atlanta.

Ryan redeemed himself on the following drive, marching the Falcons back down the field and setting up a 36-yard field goal by Shayne Graham that put the Falcons up 17-13 with 2:23 to play.

“This was their Super Bowl”, Panthers tight end Greg Olsen said, a few feet away from Newton. Ryan couldn’t pick up the loose ball.

With Peterson relaxing on the sideline, Jerick McKinnon rushed for two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including a 68-yard romp through a disinterested defense with the temperature down to 11 degrees. Norman recovered the fumble, setting up Gano’s 47-yard field goal that cut Atlanta’s lead to 14-13. Last week, Norman fought with New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr.in a win over the Giants. The Falcons faced a three-and-out but Tillman was flagged for unnecessary roughness when he got tangled up with Roddy White after the play. No clutch play at a key moment.

Rivera is now 9-of-13 on challenges this year after getting a second-quarter call overturned to get the first down on a Newton rush.

TAMPA, Fla. – Ka’Deem Carey caught a touchdown pass from Jay Cutler and the third-string running back also scored on a 1-yard run to help Chicago Bears end a three-game losing streak.