The Carolina Panthers have won three games in a row after defeating the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 23-16.
Here are our winners and losers for Week 5.
Winner: RB Mike Davis
The Panthers have been missing Christian McCaffrey three weeks in a row, but you’d never know it based on how well they’ve played. Backup running back Mike Davis put together another solid game, totaling 149 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. He was instrumental in putting the Falcons away during a long drive in the fourth quarter.
Loser: Carolina’s run defense
After showing signs of progress the last couple of weeks, Carolina’s run defense came crashing back down to earth in Atlanta. The Falcons offensive line totally dominated the Panthers’ defensive line all game, opening up huge lanes for Todd Gurley and the other running backs. Gurley managed 121 rushing yards and one touchdown, averaging 8.6 yards per attempt.
Winner: WR Curtis Samuel
After a quiet first month of the season, Samuel finally had a breakout game. Early on, he kept finding the weak spots in Atlanta’s zone defenses and made some clutch plays on third down. Samuel finished the afternoon with 36 yards on five catches. He added 28 more yards on four runs.
Winner: WR Robby Anderson
This was another strong outing from Anderson, who looks like the Panthers’ best receiver by a mile. After dropping a pass early on Anderson recovered nicely. He led the team with eight catches and 112 receiving yards.
Winner: WR D.J. Moore
All three of Carolina’s top wide receivers came through, today. Moore was especially potent after the catch. He burned Isaiah Oliver for a long touchdown in the second quarter and racked up 93 yards on just four catches.
Loser: Panthers’ injury luck
While the three-game winning streak is great to see, the Panthers just don’t seem to have much luck with injuries this year. Today, cornerback Donte Jackson re-aggravated his toe injury and had to leave early in the game and was unable to return. Defensive end Brian Burns was also ruled out with a concussion he suffered in the second quarter.
Winner: DB Juston Burris
The Panthers were in danger of blowing their big lead in the second half until defensive back Juston Burris came through with a clutch play. His interception of Matt Ryan in the end zone ended an otherwise-embarrassing drive for Carolina’s defense in the fourth quarter.
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