Loser: Lorenzo Carter
The Atlanta Falcons need to take Lorenzo Carter off the field. The pass rusher had Andy Dalton and allowed the aging quarterback to escape and rumble for a long first-down run. This one play is indicative of the level of play Carter has been bringing consistently. If you're unable to get to the quarterback and cannot contain the run, why are you in the lineup?
Carter's entire argument for remaining in the Atlanta Falcons starting rotation was the ability to set the edge and play the run. Carter has never been an elite pass rusher, though this level of complete inability to find the quarterback is new.
The Falcons have few other options on the roster but whether it is their current options or free-agent signings things can't get any worse. Carter is far from the only thing wrong with Atlanta's pass rush but he is near the top of the list.
When you're playing at this level there is no other choice but to look at benching the defender. Any other choice is either out of touch or speaks to the complete lack of other options. A great day for Atlanta was only marred by an inability to get to Andy Dalton.
As simplistic as this may sound it isn't something we have consistently seen from Robinson as of yet and what makes Allgeier so valuable. Running through contact and showing improvement as a receiver and pass protector there is so much to love from Allgeier so far this season.
It is fitting the Falcons allow Allgeier to finish the game setting the team up for their final score after he set the table early. Robinson might have gotten Atlanta's first rushing touchdown, but it was Allgeier who set it up.
Atlanta has a great problem in their backup forming a real argument to be the team's starter. With his third career 100-yard rushing game Allgeier continues to find ways to help Atlanta win and force the team to up his carries. A great night for Allgeier and Atlanta's rushing attack.
Winner: Atlanta's secondary
A.J. Terrell and Clark Phillips both had timely interceptions to help keep Atlanta in control of this game. Terrell struggled early but made up for it late with the turnover and improved play. There is so much responsibility being placed on the shoulders of this Atlanta secondary. Watching Dalton standing in the pocket for ages unable to find an open receiver was telling.
Atlanta's secondary played well and allowed the defense to stop the bleeding. However, it is important to note the only reason the score wasn't higher is Atlanta forcing the Panthers to put the ball in the air. If not for the late score Hubbard would have continued racking up yardage and putting pressure on Kirk Cousins and Atlanta's offense to respond.
Mike Hughes deserves immense credit for bouncing back from last season's struggles and continuing to play extremely well. Clark Phillips, Dee Alford, Jessie Bates, Justin Simmons, and Terrell all deserve credit. It is fun to imagine what this group could accomplish together if only the team could find a way to rush the pass consistently. A good night for the secondary and finally an interception for A.J. Terrell.
Winner: Bijan Robinson
Bijan Robinson needed a breakout game to re-establish himself as this team's star back. While Allgeier might have finished with more rushing yards Robinson had two touchdowns and had a higher yards per carry average. Something that stood out with how often Allgeier has outperformed Robinson this season.
This is the backfield Atlanta Falcons fans are hoping to see. Allow Kirk Cousins to settle in and take the pressure off the passing attack. After the Falcons rebounded from early defensive struggles Robinson and Allgeier took over this game. Anytime the team needed to give the defense a break and burn clock there was zero issue moving the ball.
Atlanta's backs combined for thirty-three carries on the night with 200-rushing yards and 3-touchdowns on the night. Robinson has all the attitude and reputation of a star back but this is only the second game this season we have seen a star level of production.
With Atlanta's struggles stopping the run and rushing the passer this is their recipe to win. Robinson and Allgeier running out the clock and Atlanta leaning on Kirk Cousins only when they have no other choice. A great sign for the Atlanta star that perhaps he will begin living up to lofty expectations.
Loser: Atlanta's rush defense
It is a really tough look for the Atlanta Falcons' first and second levels when you can't stop the run or rush the passer. Whether it was Chuba Hubbard or Andy Dalton, Atlanta's effort and ability to finish a play isn't there. Atlanta's run defense is at the bottom of the league along with being unable to put pressure on the quarterback.
The secondary was left to cover for far too long and is expected far too often to finish run plays. The lack of production in the first two levels of Atlanta's defense is astounding. It is hard to be so completely inept at both stopping the run and getting to the quarterback.
Carolina's banged-up offensive line looked like one of the better units in the league against the Falcons. For a defense that started out hot against the Steelers, Eagles, and Chiefs they are no longer carrying their weight. Atlanta's best defense is staying on the field and running out the clock. Right now it is working but as the competition improves deeper into the season it cannot be sustained. Whether it is changing the starting lineup or their plan of attack this cannot continue.
Winner: Kirk Cousins
To be fair, Kirk Cousins struggled early on and looked a bit more like the quarterback we watched early in the season. However, as the game wore on and Cousins loosened up the offense continued to flow. Most importantly Cousins made wise decisions and didn't put the ball in harm's way. Interceptions have plagued Cousins early and playing a clean game was a great step forward.
Even with rushing the ball thirty-four times the veteran quarterback still had 225-passing yards and a touchdown on the night. This is who Cousins needs to be against lesser teams. Putting on the cape as he did against Tampa only when the situation demands it. Atlanta being able to trust their quarterback and running game against a lesser team is a new feeling. One Atlanta fans hope continues with a veteran leader and great duo in the backfield.
Cousins continues to show great trust in Darnell Mooney and Drake London. If it is a play with the game on the line it is these two pass catchers you can circle. Cousins continues to look more comfortable taking hits and moving in the pocket giving reason to believe this level of scoring can be sustained.
Winner: Atlanta's secondary
A.J. Terrell and Clark Phillips both had timely interceptions to help keep Atlanta in control of this game. Terrell struggled early but made up for it late with the turnover and improved play. There is so much responsibility being placed on the shoulders of this Atlanta secondary. Watching Dalton standing in the pocket for ages unable to find an open receiver was telling.
Atlanta's secondary played well and allowed the defense to stop the bleeding. However, it is important to note the only reason the score wasn't higher is Atlanta forcing the Panthers to put the ball in the air. If not for the late score Hubbard would have continued racking up yardage and putting pressure on Kirk Cousins and Atlanta's offense to respond.
Mike Hughes deserves immense credit for bouncing back from last season's struggles and continuing to play extremely well. Clark Phillips, Dee Alford, Jessie Bates, Justin Simmons, and Terrell all deserve credit. It is fun to imagine what this group could accomplish together if only the team could find a way to rush the pass consistently. A good night for the secondary and finally an interception for A.J. Terrell.
Loser: Kyle Pitts
Yes, it was a great night for Pitts when you consider the lack of passing reps and the production. Pitts finished with three catches 70-receiving yards in what was a solid effort in the box score. However, Atlanta's tight end was questioned by the broadcast for quitting on the route and not giving his quarterback a chance to finish the play.
Cousins was facing an all-out blitz and lofted the ball to the back of the end zone for Pitts. Whether it was a different route or Pitts gave up on the play is up to the viewer. What isn't is the fact this isn't the first time Kyle's effort has been questioned since his rookie season completing routes and plays has been a question mark for Pitts.
It was a bad moment in a game that was given a 4:25 EST slot. Being called out on a broadcast that loudly for giving up on the play isn't great for a player already consistently struggling to live up to expectations. Pitts took a step forward and two steps back the big play seemingly wiped away by one moment that will continue to feed the narrative of Pitts not playing through the whistle.
