Takeaways: Ryan sets career milestone, Koo hits four FGs

Dec 08, 2019 at 04:20 PM

Kasey Richardson

AtlantaFalcons.com

The Falcons (4-9) snapped a two-game slide following a 40-20 victory over the Carolina Panthers (5-8) on Sunday.

Atlanta got the start they wanted and dominated the Panthers on both sides of the ball. The Falcons were explosive on offense, recording 450 yards of total offense with 159 yards on the ground. Atlanta's defense came more than prepared for Carolina's offense generating three turnovers and sacked quarterback Kyle Allen five times in the game.

Here are the main takeaways from the Falcons-Panthers game:

Matt Ryan becomes 10th player in NFL history to pass for 50,000 yards

Heading into Sunday's game, quarterback Matt Ryan was only 34 yards shy of becoming the 10th quarterback in league history to throw for 50,000 yards. In the first quarter of the game, Ryan achieved the milestone on a 14-yard pass completion to Russell Gage.

Ryan joins the list of active quarterbacks who've thrown for 50,000 yards in their careers along with Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Phillip Rivers.

For more coverage on Matt Ryan making history against the Panthers, click here.

Olamide Zaccheaus sets record, proves doubters wrong

Against the Panthers, rookie receiver Olamide Zaccheaus caught his first pass for his career on a 93-yard touchdown, which was Ryan's longest touchdown for his career. The play was also the third-longest passing play in the franchise history. Zaccheaus continues to prove his doubters wrong, being undrafted and was rated as an undersized receiver.

For more on Zaccheaus setting history and his big play, click here.

Younghoe Koo's perfect day highlighted by 'crazy' fumble recovery

Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo has continue to showcase his strong play after completing all four of his field goal attempts and extra point opportunities including a 50-yard field goal for his career-high. In the third quarter, Koo also recovered a fumble on kickoff. After the game Koo spoke on his fumble recovery saying, "I don't know, I just kind of blacked out. I was just excited, I couldn't believe it. It was the right place at the right time. I went down there and covered the kick really well, and it just happened that way – it was crazy."

For more on Younghoe Koo's big day, click here.

Falcons' pass rushers went hunting in dominant win over Panthers

Atlanta's defensive front had a big day against the Panthers, generating pressure on Kyle Allen throughout the contest. Defensive ends Takk McKinley and Vic Beasley sacked Allen twice in the game, with linebacker De'Vondre Campbell coming away with a sack as well. In the final-four stretch of games, the Falcons have placed emphasizes on the line of scrimmage and rushing the quarterback.

For more on the Falcons' pass rush and their success against Carolina, click here.

Report: Desmond Trufant's season over after breaking forearm

In the first half of the game, cornerback Desmond Trufant exited the game after suffering an injury to his arm. Trufant was first evaluated on the sideline and then left to the locker room prior to halftime. Trufant did not return, which led to Blidi Wreh-Wilson taking most of the reps for the remainder of the game. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Trufant will miss the remainder of the 2019 season and will have surgery to repair his forearm next week.

For more coverage on Trufant's season-ending injury, click here.

Tabeek: Falcons roll, but Roddy gives us the feels one more time

On Sunday, Falcons former receiver Roddy White was inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor for his exceptional career with the organization. Roddy White owned a few records with the organization, while modeling what it meant to be a professional athlete. White joins William Andrews, Steve Bartkowski, Tommy Nobis, Jessie Tuggle, Mike Kenn, Claude Humphrey, Deion Sanders, Gerald Riggs and Warrick Dunn for the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor.

To read Matt Tabeek's column on Roddy White being honored during Sunday's game, click here.

Other notable performances:

Quarterback Matt Ryan played huge, ending with 313 yards on 20 out of 34 completions.
Cornerback Damontae Kazee played well against Carolina, finishing with two tackles, forced a fumble and caught two interceptions. Kazee picked up his third interception of the season.
Kicker Younghoe Koo was perfect on his field goal attempts including a 50-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Koo also recovered a fumble on kickoff in the third quarter.
Defensive end Vic Beasley was solid amongst the Falcons' pass rush, recording two sacks in the game.
Defensive end Takk McKinley brought the pressure on defense, ending the game with five tackles and two sacks recorded.
Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun was the leader in tackles on defense, reeling in 10 total.
Linebacker De'Vondre Campbell was the second leader amongst the defense in tackles with seven total and a sack recorded.
Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus led the receiving corps in yards, reeling in his first catch of his career for 93 yards.
Running back Devonta Freeman had a decent outing, ending with 17 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown scored.

For those who want further analysis of Sunday's game between the Falcons and Panthers, check out an archive of our live blog below.

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Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 stands with Honorary Captain Luke Gillam during the National Anthem before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)

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My Cause My Cleats is shown on the field goal post before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Robby Illanes/Atlanta Falcons)

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A detailed view of the cleats worn by Atlanta Falcons defensive back Kendall Sheffield #20 before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms upbefore the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant #21 stretches before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Falcons Legend Roddy White poses for a photo with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M Blank and Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Josh Sowemimo)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 inside the tunnel before taking the field against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 takes the field before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 is introduced before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Fred Daniels/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 carries the ball during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws the ball during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Hunter Cone/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive back Kemal Ishmael #36, wide receiver Christian Blake #13, wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17, running back Keith Smith #40, and running back Qadree Ollison #30 react after a play during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 carries the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 tackle Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel #10 during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Hunter Cone/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Hunter Cone/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 and defensive back Kendall Sheffield #20 make a tackle against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 dives with the ball during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons players huddle during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Robby Illanes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 catches the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes a reception during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Keith Smith #40 celebrates with. Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 after making a catch against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 catches the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 scores a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley #98 makes a tackle against the Carolina Panthers during the during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 celebrates after receiving the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Robby Illanes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 carries the ball during the first half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 gives a thumbs up during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Kenjon Barner #38 reacts after a play during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Tyeler Davison #96 celebrates after recovering a fumble after Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley, Jr. #44 sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen #7 during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Tyeler Davison #96 celebrates with. defensive end Takk McKinley #98 after recovering a fumble after Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley, Jr. #44 sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen #7 during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 carries the ball for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons celebrate after. Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 gives the ball to a fan after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 receives a 93-yard touchdown pass during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Hunter Cone/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 and quarterback Matt Ryan #2 react after Freeman's touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 carries the ball past Carolina Panthers strong safety Eric Reid #25 during the third quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 runs for a touchdown after receiving a 93-yard pass during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley #98 sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen #7 during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Robby Illanes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons strong safety Damontae Kazee #27 makes an interception during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Hunter Cone/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley, Jr. #44 and defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 sack Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen #7 during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley #98 reacts after a play during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 recovers a fumble during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Keith Smith #40 reacts after a play during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 reacts after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 and wide receiver Justin Hardy #14 chat during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 is congratulated by teammates after kicking a field goal during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn hugs Carolina Panthers head coach Perry Fewell after the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Kenjon Barner #38 interacts with fans after the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn waves to fans after the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy #14 and Carolina Panthers running back Jordan Scarlett #20 sign their jerseys after the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 and free safety Ricardo Allen #37 walk off the field after the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 hugs Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen #7 after the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)

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Takeaways: Ryan sets career milestone, Koo hits four FGs

Game photos: Falcons vs. Panthers

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