Minutes after Atlanta beat rival Carolina 25-17 in Charlotte on "Thursday Night Football," Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was asked about finally winning a close game this season.
"It just felt like it was going to be a different night," Ryan said before adding, "I hope it's the start of something."
It certainly was a different night for these Falcons, who improved to 2-6, and it could very well be the start of something. That will depend on the much-maligned Falcons defense.
The Falcons have won just two games so far this season – a 40-23 romp over the Vikings on Oct. 18 and Thursday night's eight-point victory over the Panthers. Both wins have something in common and have taught me a little something about this team: When the defense shows up, good things happen.
Good things, as in winning football.
When the Panthers started their final possession of the game – from their own 5-yard line with 2:58 left on the game clock – Falcons fans everywhere watching the game had to be thinking one thing: Here we go again. Actually, those thoughts may have started even sooner when kicker Younghoe Koo missed an extra point attempt that would have made it a two-score game.
Either way, the Panthers had the ball at the end of the game with plenty of time (and three timeouts) to go down the field and force overtime. It was the fourth game this season where the Falcons had a 98 percent win probability in the final minutes. We all know what happened in the previous three. Not great, Bob.
Nine plays into the drive, the Panthers found themselves facing a third-and-6 on the Falcons 30 with 1:04 to go.
Yes, 1:04.
Some Falcons fans probably saw that number and had terrible flashbacks from four days earlier. That's how much time remained in the game when Matthew Stafford and the Lions started their final – and game-winning – drive.
But as Ryan said, things just felt like they were going to be different on this night. And they were.
Enter the Falcons defense.
Instead of wilting under pressure or making a costly mistake with the game on the line, Atlanta's defense played to win rather than playing not to lose. And with 1:04 left to go, Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson picked off Teddy Bridgewater's pass intended for D.J. Moore at the Falcons' 9-yard line and returned it 3 yards.
Ryan and the Falcons offense came out and also did something they probaby wished they had done four days earlier: they took a knee on consecutive plays and ran out the clock.
Game over. Falcons win.
Bridgewater, who passed for 313 yards and two touchdowns in the Panthers win 18 days earlier, completed 15 of 23 passes for only 176 yards. The Falcons defense hit and harassed him all night long. By game's end, they had hit Bridgewater six times and sacked him three times.
Tha Panthers only converted two of 10 third-down attempts and were one of three on fourth down. The Falcons may have only forced the one turnover, but it sealed the win.
As well as the Falcons offense played, the defense came out aggressive and physical – and really set the tone. It wasn't the most dominating performance but they consistently good enough throughout the night.
When was the last time we said anything like that about this unit? Well, I can tell you. It was in Week 6 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
The Falcons defense forced three first-half interceptions, allowed Minnesota to convert only three of 10 third-down attempts, sacked Kirk Cousins once and were credited with eight quarterback hits. Like on Thursday, the defense stayed locked in and aggressive – and they were the story of the game.
Again, when the Falcons defense shows up, good things have happened for this team. When they've folded late in very winnable games, the Falcons have lost.
And as much as I hate to pick scabs and rehash things that are painful, the truth is that the Falcons should have beaten the Cowboys, Bears and Lions and be sitting at 5-3 right now, not 2-6.
But here we are with the Broncos up next before the Falcons head into their bye week on Nov. 15. Coming out the bye, Atlanta's schedule is brutal, too, with two games against the Saints, two against the Buccaneers, and matchups against the Raiders, Chargers and Chiefs in between.
As difficult as that slate appears to be right now, we do know this much. The Falcons, with all the weapons and proven commodities they have on offense, will only have a chance at winning more games if the defense shows up.
And finishes.
Maybe, like Ryan said, this can be the start of something.
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers with top photos from Week 8.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris with cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris with cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 smiles as he walks off the field after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Qadree Ollison after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21, offensive guard James Carpenter #77, and linebacker Mykal Walker #43 after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 and offensive guard James Carpenter #77 after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris with cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 with an interception to end the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 intercepts the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 intercepts the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 gestures a thumbs up during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on before the snap to start a play during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 pushes past Carolina Panthers safety Sam Franklin #42 as he runs with ball during the first quarter of the game on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 carries the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 in action during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris looks on in the rain during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 in action during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs with the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 in action against Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Taylor Moton #72 during the second half of the game on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 in action against Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel #10 during the game on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is shown during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is shown during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons offense huddle on the field before the start of a play during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 runs with the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 runs with the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after a play during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs with the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 runs with the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after a play during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 in action against Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Thompson #54 on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 hands the ball off to running back Todd Gurley #21 during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after a play during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Charles Harris #92 and defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 look on during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Tyler Hall #44 in action against Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Jeremy Chinn #21 on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of defensive players on the sideline during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback AJ Terrell #24 in action against Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel #10 on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 looks on after kicking a field goal during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after making a play during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after making a play during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 in action against Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater #5 on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal #22 knocks the ball loose from Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis #28 during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 and linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrate after sacking Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater #5 during the first quarter of the game on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 in action making a catch during the first half of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 tackles Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater #5 during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in action during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates with wide receiver Julio Jones #11 after Ryan runs the ball in for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates with wide receiver Julio Jones #11 after Ryan runs the ball in for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates with offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 after running the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 scores a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes a catch during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after sacking Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater #5 during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 and cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 sack Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater #5 during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 gestures during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 is shown before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7celebrates after making a field goal during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
A fan waves an American flag before the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
A fan waves an American flag before the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 wearing a Rock the Vote shirt before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of an Atlanta Falcons player wearing a Rock the Vote shirt before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of an Atlanta Falcons player wearing a Rock the Vote shirt before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Matt Hennessy #61 walks out of the tunnel onto the field wearing a Rock the Vote t-shirt for warm-ups before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 in a Rock the Vote shirt before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Rise Up & Vote cleats are shown during warm ups before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws a ball during warm-ups before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 shakes hand with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M Blank before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons huddle on the field before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players huddle before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal #22 looks on before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 gestures before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
