In the Thursday Night Game, the Carolina Panthers are able to pull off a victory in the divisional duel against the Atlanta Falcons. Especially the defensive line is convincing.

Munich – The Carolina Panthers secured their third win of the season in the divisional duel against the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Steve Wilks’ team won 25-15 in a rain-soaked game.

Running back D’Onta Foreman collected 31 carries, which he converted into 130 yards of space gained and a touchdown. Through the air, the Panthers moved the ball mostly in the short passing game, partly due to the weather conditions. Quarterback P.J. Walker completed 10 of his 16 passes for 108 yards.

“I’m very proud of the way the guys played today,” Wilks praised at the press conference.

The Panthers defence caused havoc in the Falcons backfield. The Panthers racked up five sacks, the Falcons’ running game never really got rolling and quarterback Marcus Mariota was under pressure on numerous pass attempts.

Falcons find few answers

The 29-year-old rarely escaped the Panthers’ constant pressure and allowed himself several lapses. Mariota completed 19 of his 30 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, he made an interception – although more would have been quite possible.

The Falcons offence, however, could only convert three of the eleven third downs into a new first attempt, punter Bradley Pinion was therefore called on the field five times.

Despite the loss, the Falcons are still in second place in the NFC South with a 4-6 record. Next week, Head Coach Arthur Smith’s team heads to Chicago to face the Bears.

The Panthers improve their record to 3-7, but are still bottom of the division.