Too little, too late for the Atlanta Falcons. 

In its second match-up in opposition to the Carolina Panthers in 11 days, the Falcons offense couldn’t full a late sport comeback on this NFC South rivalry. 

Trailing 13-3 at halftime, Atlanta had an opportunity to tie the sport late, however in the end fell 25-15 on the highway. 

Listed below are three takeaways from Atlanta’s Week 10 loss. 

Offensive Struggles All Evening 

It is powerful to win any sport the place you produce simply 96 yards of complete offense in a half. 

And that is precisely what occurred in opposition to the Panthers. 

A primary half consisting of three straight punts, an interception and simply three factors summed up a stagnant offensive assault all evening lengthy. 

Quarterback Marcus Mariota accomplished 19 of 30 passes for 2 touchdowns and the interception, however was sacked 5 instances – together with two on Atlanta’s potential game-tying drive.

The second ranked speeding assault within the NFL coming into the sport, Atlanta mustered simply 138 yards on the bottom in opposition to Carolina’s protection, with Mariota main the best way with 43 yards. 

Compared to the 2 groups Week 8 thriller the place Atlanta produced over 400 yards, it was day and evening this time round with Carolina permitting simply 291 of complete offense. 

KhaDarel Hodge First Profession Landing 

The lone glimmer of hope got here when Mariota stepped again to go with lower than 3:00 to go within the fourth quarter. 

Down 22-9 at this level, wideout KhaDarel Hodge discovered himself large open close to the sideline for his first profession receiving landing to make it a one rating sport.

After bouncing round a number of groups in his first 4 profession season, Hodge signed with Atlanta in March of this 12 months. 

The 27-year-old caught 9 passes heading into this sport, however had but to make it into the tip zone earlier than tonight. 

Falcons Cannot Pull Away in NFC South Race 

With a possibility to tug away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers within the NFC South with a victory, the Falcons did not get the job achieved – making issues fascinating within the division and playoff race. 

With the loss, the Falcons at the moment are 4-6, which may preserve them in a tie for first place ought to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose on Sunday in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks in Munich.

Nevertheless a win from the Buccaneers provides them sole possession of first play within the division – and an prompt playoff berth.

In pursuit of its first playoff look since 2017 and first NFC South championship since 2016, Atlanta will surely love to finish these with a powerful second half of the season. 

The Falcons are again in motion subsequent Sunday at house in opposition to the Chicago Bears. 

You may comply with Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard

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