FUNDAMENTALS 

When linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis botched plays on the Falcons’ first drive, it was a sign Sunday wasn’t going to be the Panthers’ day.

Kuechly had a chance at Devonte Freeman in the backfield on 3rd-and-5, but the RB slid out of Kuechly’s grasp for a 13-yard gain. Six plays later, Davis had QB Matt Ryan in his sights when he rolled out on a 3rd-and-2, but Davis took a bad angle and Ryan picked up seven yards.

An ordinary pass rush and a suspect secondary were flaws the Panthers had been aware of, but they didn’t expect to struggle with basics. During his 11-minute meeting with reporters, McDermott used a form of the word ‘fundamentals’ 18 times.

“To make a run into the playoffs, we’ve got to play good, solid fundamental football,” he said.

“It’s the same reason why the jump shot is a lost art in the NBA. Fundamentals. Free throws. Fundamentals. Tackling. Fundamentals. The great teams play with great fundamentals.”

“We’ve got a chance to go 15-1. The sky isn’t falling, at least, I hope it’s not. It’s not if we get back to fundamentals and doing what we do best. That’s playing attack-style defense, fundamentally sound defense, every guy doing their job and tackling.”