Black and Blue Review
Where Did Riverboat Ron Go?
Riverboat Ron has been docked.
Ron Rivera admitted his flailing team needed to have a sense of urgency this week, but Carolina’s head coach lacked urgency when the Panthers had a chance to put the Falcons away on Sunday.
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Slow Start Leads to Another Disappointing Finish
Plenty of attention will be paid to how the Panthers handled the final two minutes of Sunday’s 19-17 loss to the Falcons, but blame should also be placed on how Carolina played during the first three quarters.
Before their touchdown drive early in the fourth, the Panthers turned it over twice, had five three-and-outs and scored just three points.
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STATS AND SUPERLATIVES
The Panthers:
- Have lost five in a row for the first time since Weeks 3-8 in 2012. Their six-game winless streak is their longest since they lost seven straight from Weeks 8-14 in 2010.
- Have had 19 turnovers in their nine games since going turnover free against the Bucs and Lions. The Panthers had six takeaways in their 2-0 start, but they have just 11 since.
- Have scored 102 points in the fourth quarter and 110 points in the other three quarters combined this season.
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QUOTES TO NOTE
“Coach calls the plays. I just go out there and manage the game. I’m not going to question his play calling. I’m not going to question anything because if we would have won that football game, none of these questions would be lingering.” — Cam Newton
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Kelvin Benjamin’s Incredible Touchdown Catch, in 14 Frames
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Benwikere Again Inactive
Even though he returned to practice this week, cornerback Bené Benwikere was inactive for the Panthers’ matchup with the Falcons.
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PANTHERS POLL
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HIGHLIGHTS
PHOTOS
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GAME STORY
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers keep getting opportunities to recapture first place in the NFC South.
They just can’t take advantage.
The latest misstep came Sunday when the Panthers battled back from 13 points down in the fourth quarter to take the lead before falling 19-17 to the Atlanta Falcons.
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GAME BOOK
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GameWeek TIMELINE
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Cam Newton is the Same Cam Newton?
When Ron Rivera walked up to the podium for his post-Eagles question-and-answer session, he started talking before taking any questions. Read more
TRANSCRIPT: Rivera Refutes Report About Newton
“I’m taking him for his word. He told you guys last night he’s fine. The doctors have nothing on it. The trainers have nothing on it.” Read more
Quotes to Note: Mike Smith and Matt Ryan
"One more than the other three teams." -- Mike Smith, when asked how many wins it may take to win the NFC South Read more
Chandler is the Latest Offensive Line Question Mark
Another week, another set of worries on the Panthers' offensive line. Starting RT Nate Chandler's status for Sunday in doubt. Read more
Benjamin Learning From Newton's Rookie Season
This week last year, Kelvin Benjamin was starring on a 9-0 Florida State team that was on its way to an undefeated season and a national championship. Read more
Falcons May Be Elixir for Panthers, Newton's Pain
Cam Newton is playing hurt, but he and the Panthers would feel a lot better if they snap out of their two-month funk. Read more
Leaky Punt Unit Set to Face Best Returner of All Time
Ron Rivera believes he knows the secret to containing Devin Hester, who many argue could end up in the Hall of Fame. Read more
3 Numbers That Help Explain Some Struggles
There's bend but don't break, and then there's what the Panthers' defense has been in the red zone. Read more
5 Parts of Dave Gettleman’s Plan That Haven’t Worked Out
Dave Gettleman helped the Panthers return to the playoffs by nailing most of his choices last year. But in 2014, he's missed on many of his moves. Read more
Friday Injury Report and Notes
DeAngelo Williams, who missed two days of practice, returned for Friday's walkthrough. He'll start against the Falcons. Read more
Differences Between Williams and Stewart
DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have been together for seven seasons, but ‘Double Trouble’ hasn’t been what it once was for years now. Read more
Another Week, Another Reunion
Safety Thomas DeCoud will try to help the Panthers keep their playoff hopes alive Sunday against his former team. Read more
Cleaning Out This Week's Quotebook
"If we can get the running game going, and get the quarterback comfortable, and make plays when we have opportunities — that’s why I’m optimistic.” Read more