Panthers Lose For The First Time This Season, While Cardinals Soar

The Carolina Panthers finally lost their first game of the season on December 27th, losing 20-13 to the Falcons in Atlanta. Just two weeks ago, the Panthers clobbered the Falcons 38-0 in Charlotte, but this time Atlanta’s defense, especially the pass defense rose to the occasion, holding Carolina to 142 receiving yards and no touchdowns.

Atlanta QB Matt Ryan was 23 of 30 for 306 yards including a spectacular 70 yard touchdown reception by Julio Jones. Jones had a huge game, with 9 receptions for 178 yards against one of the league’s top defenses.

The Falcons improved to 8-7. Carolina is 14-1, and finishes the regular season at home on Sunday against Tampa Bay. The Panthers have a first round bye in the playoffs clinched, but are still trying to get home field advantage throughout the playoffs, which would be assured if they beat the Buccaneers.

However, if Carolina loses and Arizona (13-2) beats Seattle nest Sunday, the Cardinals will be the top seed. Arizona demolished the NFC North leading Green Bay Packers 38-6 for the Cardinals ninth straight win. The Panthers and Cardinals are clearly at the head of the class in the NFC, and right now we think Arizona is the better of the two, with both an explosive offense and a dominating defense.

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