If this is the moment that encompasses the essence of the Carolina Panthers’ 2022 season, it suits the squad. Carolina has spent most of this season directionless-knowing that they have the talent to compete, but couldn’t put it together under former coach Matt Rhule. Interim head coach Steve Wilks stepped in and began to give this team, not only structure, but the belief that they can still compete and win. After beating Tampa Bay in Week 7, Carolina put themselves in a position to seize control of the NFC South with a win against the Falcons.
The Panthers traded blows with the Falcons until their kicker, Younghoe Koo, drilled a 41-yard field goal to keep Atlanta in first place and send Carolina to the division basement.
If the trap music-induced sounds of victory filled Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium and their locker rooms, the visitors’ locker room should be bumping soundtracks of regret and love lost. Whitney Houston’s “Didn’t We Almost Have It All” and Vivian Green’s “Emotional Rollercoaster” are two tracks that are painfully perfect for the moment. Carolina had the division in their hands (and feet) and lost it. This blown opportunity may also be the apex of the ride this season has been. Here are observations from the Panthers’ week-eight loss.
Walker Getting Comfortable
In his third start, PJ Walker is showing some signs of confidence and comfort in his role. In comparison to the last two weeks, Walker was playing conservatively – not doing too much, but doing just enough to put the team in a position to win. Against the Falcons, Walker made it a point to test their vulnerable secondary. For the game, Walker completed 19 of his 36 passes for 317 yards a touchdown, and an interception. Walker would have had more yards if it weren’t for early-game struggles connecting with receivers.
The Loss Was On Who?
We all know what happened at the end of regulation. Walker connected with DJ Moore on a 62 yard strike to tie the game at 34 with 12 seconds left in regulation. Carolina gets hit with a penalty when Moore took his helmet off in celebration. Kicker Eddy Pinerio missed the go ahead extra point to win the game in regulation and missed a field goal to win the game in overtime. It’s fair to say that the loss was on Moore because of the penalty. After the game, he acknowledged his mistake.
“It was a spectacular play,” he said. “I had dropped the one beforehand and so I just let it loose, but I‘ve got to understand there’s still time left on the clock, and I can’t do that.”
On the other hand, Pinerio should’ve made the field goals. Missing the second one, that seems to be routine, was inexplicable.
If you ask Wilks who’s to blame for the loss, he says it’s on him.
“Felt like we didn’t find a way to finish,” he said. “We had too many opportunities to win this football game and didn’t find a way to get it done. That falls on me.”
Giving Up Big Plays
The Falcons accumulated six plays of at least 25 yards and finished the game with 406 total yards. The Panthers’ defense also struggled to contain Atlanta’s offense on third down. The Falcons completed six of their 12 attempts. The Panthers’ rush defense struggled against the Falcons’ fun game. Atlanta rushed for 167 yards on 37 carries. Expect the rush defense to be better against Cincinnati in Week 9.