The Atlanta Falcons (0-5) dropped their first division game of the season and remain winless after losing to the Carolina Panthers (3-2) 23-16 on Sunday afternoon.
Atlanta was in great position to tie the game midway through the fourth quarter, driving down to the Carolina 5-yard line before quarterback Matt Ryan threw an interception in the back of the end zone. The Panthers responded after the interception, marching 76 yards and setting up a short field goal for kicker Joey Slye to make it a two-score game and a 23-13 lead for Carolina, which took precious minutes off the clock on the drive.
"Just getting done with the team, what I discussed with them, certainly a tough division loss, but at the end of the day, players and coaches, you've got to be able to leave your mark on the game," Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. "That's the -- the big tackle, the big hit that caused the fumble, the big score, the big kick. So that's what we've got to be able to do."
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The loss comes on a day when Todd Gurley had his best game as a member of the Falcons. Looking much like the All-Pro he was with the Rams, Gurley had chunk play after chunk play on the ground, highlighted by a 35-yard touchdown run in the first quarter that made him the fourth-fastest player to reach 75 career touchdowns. Gurley finished his afternoon with 14 carries for 121 yards and a touchdown, he also caught four passes for 29 yards.
"Those guys up front did a hell of a job," Gurley said. "Hats off to them. Tight ends, Keith [Smith], and receivers blocking down field. Credit to everyone being aggressive. I did not really have to do much but run. Those guys created space for me."
Defensively, Atlanta had difficulty bringing down Carolina's ballcarriers, particularly running back Mike Davis, who finished with a career-best 149 total yards and a touchdown. The Panthers also made it a priority to get the ball to wide receiver Robby Anderson early and often; he finished the game with eight catches for 112 yards. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was very sharp on Sunday, completing 27 of his 37 pass attempts for 313 yards and two touchdown passes with no interceptions, earning him a 116.2 passer rating. Receiver D.J. Moore also made a big play for the Panthers, a 57-yard catch-and-run touchdown in which he outran the Falcons defense.
Ryan finished the game 21-of-37 for 226 yards with no touchdowns and the interception. As has often been the case this season, his top target of the afternoon was Calvin Ridley, who caught eight passes for 136 yards. Without Julio Jones for the game, the Falcons couldn't find much room to throw the ball against the Panthers' zone defense, and Carolina often dropped eight players into coverage to provide even less openings downfield.
"Their defensive style is to keep things in front," Ryan said. "They drop eight people in pass coverage more than anybody else in the NFL. We knew coming into it, it was about staying patient and not trying to force things into tough coverage because they do a good job of really keeping things in front."
The Falcons gained 369 yards of offense against the Panthers, but the were 0-for-2 in the red zone, coming away with just three points on those trips. Ryan was sacked twice on Sunday, including one that resulted in a fumble and a big loss of yardage that stalled a drive. Atlanta allowed 437 yards against Carolina, including 124 yards on the ground.
Next up for Atlanta is a trip to Minnesota for a matchup against the 1-3 Vikings, who face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night.
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers with top photos from inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Week 5.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs th ball against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 makes a catch against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 makes a touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
The coin toss before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 scores a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 takes the snap during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley #98 warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
The wide receivers warm up before facing the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons take the field before the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 gestures against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Ricardo Allen #37 warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. ((Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
The hat worn by Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn honoring Ahmaud Arbery during the Falcons game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 is ruled out for the game against Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first quarter during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun #54 celebrates during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons take the field before the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons are shown during warms up before the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs th ball against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
An Atlanta Falcons fan is shown before the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Ricardo Allen #37 warms up before the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 warms up before the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 calls for the snap against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 in action during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 celebrates scoring a touchdown with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up before the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 celebrates after a playagainst the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 in action during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 warms up before the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn waves to limited fans before the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Cheerleaders perform before the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman #41 runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Ricardo Allen #37 warms up before the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal #22 runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 tosses the ball after scoring for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 takes the snap during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 celebrates scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Russell Gage #83 against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 in action against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 lines up against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun #54 tackles Carolina Panthers wide receiver Robby Anderson #11 against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Josh Harris #47 runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 and quarterback Matt Ryan #2 at work against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Charles Harris #92 in actin against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 celebrates scoring a touchdown with Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 makes a touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 in action during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 and safety Keanu Neal #22 tackle Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel #10 against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun #54 makes a tackle against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom #63 and center Alex Mack #51 block against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun #54 and linebacker Deion Jones #45 make a stop against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Josh Harris #47 and cornerback Tyler Hall #44 make a tackle against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 tackles Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel #10 against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 looks on against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 tackles Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel #10 against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 makes a catch against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons defense makes a stop against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons punter Sterling Hofrichter #4 punts the ball during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 11, 2020. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Ricardo Allen #37 makes a tackle against the Carolina Panthers on October 11. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
