ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers essentially split the two halves, forcing their Week 11 rematch to go into overtime. It was the second straight game in which Atlanta went to overtime, becoming the only team in the league to do so this season. Once there, the Falcons lost Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Final score: 30-27
Why it's important: The Falcons extend their losing streak to five games, and their chances of making the playoffs drop to less than 1%, according to the New York Times’ simulator
Key takeaway: The Falcons looked like the team they want to be in the first half. However, their inconsistencies flared in the second half, returning them to the team they have been lately. Atlanta wanted to flip the script in Week 11, and it couldn't fully do so.
Key moment: The Falcons had a quarterback change in the third quarter. Panthers safety Tre'von Moehrig sacked starter Michael Penix Jr. on a third-and-10 play at the Atlanta 22-yard line. Penix was slow to get up afterward and went straight into the sideline injury tent once he did. He was then deemed questionable to return due to a knee injury. Backup Kirk Cousins came out with the offense for the Falcons' next drive. At the time, Atlanta was up, 21-19.
Standout performance: Kaden Elliss. The Falcons' inside linebacker had a clutch sack on Panthers quarterback Bryce Young in the third quarter. Carolina was at Atlanta's 8-yard line facing a fourth-and-1 situation. Elliss' sack prevented the Panthers from adding points to their already closing-in score. Carolina only had possession because Atlanta fumbled on the kickoff return.
Number to know: 4-of-11. The number of third downs the Falcons converted. Atlanta didn't convert a single third down in its Week 10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, and it only converted one in its Week 9 loss to the New England Patriots. Though a 36% conversion rate could still be better, it's a tiny step in the right direction for the Falcons.
Player milestones:
- Wide receiver Drake London's 30-yard reception in the first quarter was his sixth reception for 30 yards or more, which is a single-season career high. Two plays later, London had a 41-yard reception, marking the first time in his career he had two receptions for at least 30 yards in a single game.
- Running back Bijan Robinson scored on a 1-yard run in the second quarter. It was his second touchdown Sunday, marking his sixth career game with multiple rushing touchdowns. It's his first this season.
- Cornerback Cobee Bryant, who was signed as an undrafted rookie, made his debut in the second quarter. He was elevated from the practice squad for Sunday's game.
Injury updates:
- Wide receiver Darnell Mooney left the game in the second quarter with a rib injury and was deemed questionable to return. He did return in the third quarter.
- Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. injured his knee in the third quarter upon getting sacked and was deemed questionable to return.
- Wide receiver Drake London was ruled out with a knee injury in overtime.
A quick tweet: The Falcons editorial staff of Will McFadden and Terrin Waack share their gut reactions to Sunday's outcome in 280 characters or fewer.
- McFadden: The Falcons looked excellent in the first half and came back to Earth in the second. Inconsistency is still a theme here, and it's cost them games this season.
- Waack: If Will won't say it, I will … It was a tale of two halves.
Setting the storylines:
- Week 11: Inactives | Practice squad elevations
- Offensive lineman Storm Norton reverted to injured reserve and is therefore out for the remainder of the season.
- Edge rusher DeAngelo Malone was placed on injured reserve and must miss at least four games now.
- Running back Tyler Allgeier has been a quiet superstar for the Falcons this season.
- Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and quarterback Kirk Cousins have all been a part of teams that started 3-6 and made the playoffs.
- Tori McElhaney did a deep film study to understand why the Falcons have been struggling offensively on third down.
- Catch up on all the news that came out in the lead-up to Sunday's game in one spot here.
Looking forward: The Falcons have another NFC South matchup on the schedule, as Atlanta hits the road to play the New Orleans Saints next Sunday at Caesars Superdome.
