Rapid Reactions: Panthers Shut Out Falcons, Remain Perfect

The Panthers (13-0) wrapped up a first-round bye with a resounding 38-0 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, but the game was a reminder of the inherent dangers that come with playing a physical sport. Last week notwithstanding, the Panthers haven’t needed to gear up for many shootouts, thanks to a defense that is third against the run and leads the league in interceptions (19), takeaways (29) and interceptions returned for touchdowns (four). Stephon Truitt picked off Dalton’s shovel pass in the first quarter, and the quarterback broke his right thumb while making the tackle.

Newton connected on scoring strikes of 74 and 46 yards to former Ohio State receiver Ted Ginn Jr. He also threw his first interception after a franchise-record 312 attempts without one.

Rams 21, Lions 14: Todd Gurley ran for 140 yards and two second-half touchdowns to help the host Rams end a five-game losing streak. All six of them seemed OK after the game, but nickel cornerback Bené Benwikere was lost for the rest of the season with a fractured leg. That will force another roster adjustment in the Carolina secondary. The string of injuries was enough to force Rivera’s hand, though. Blake Bortles led the way for the Jags as he threw for three touchdowns and ran for a score. I grew up watching this team. More importantly, Jones was kept out of the endzone which is the third straight game this has happened for Jones against the Panthers.

The Panthers defense held the Falcons scoreless for the first time in their 41 meetings against Atlanta. I saw the early games of Matt Ryan.

Newton is probably having one of the best stretches of his career as a passer and dating back to Week 9 he has completed 65 percent of his passes, averaged 257 passing yards, thrown 17 touchdowns and only two interceptions. The five touchdown throws matched a career high – set earlier this season against Pittsburgh – and gave him 16 over his last four games. “For me, it comes down to that”.

The Falcons couldn’t get anything going as Devonta Freeman was held to 40 yards on 11 carries. The former Florida State star also hasn’t topped 100 rushing yards since October 25.

The Pats ended a two-game skid, while the National Football Conference-leading Panthers continued their march toward a ideal regular season. “Every game is critical as we go forward”. Their offensive skill position players were viewed as among the worst in football, and their undefeated start was largely littered with wins over bad teams.

“That cost us in my opinion”, said Rivera, who was defensive coordinator for that team. “Got way behind, and that part was extremely disappointing”.

“We talked about poise on the sideline today”, Quinn said. “We need to do that now”.

As the 13-0 Panthers moved a step closer to securing home field advantage throughout the post-season, the reigning Super Bowl champion New England Patriots booked a playoff berth with a 27-6 victory over the Houston Texans.

“Don’t ease up on the gas”, Newton said. “We just want to be the better of the two that day”.

Ryan was disappointed: “It was about as badly as we can play”.