Not even a vintage MVP-like performance from quarterback Cam Newton could help the Carolina Panthers knock off the Atlanta Falcons in a crucial early NFC South divisional bout.
Newton was awesome in Carolina’s back and forth 31-24 loss, tossing for 335 yards with three touchdowns against one interception, which wasn’t exactly his fault. And those numbers would have been vastly better had it not been for multiple drops from Panthers receiving targets.
At least running back Christian McCaffrey continues to shine as a multipurpose weapon on the ground and through the air.
Those drops, however, along with the Panthers allowing Atlanta to go a perfect 4-of-4 in the red zone, ultimately led to head coach Ron Rivera’s squad dropping to .500 on the young season and losing what could be a critical divisional contest against its rival Falcons.