Falcons Defeat The Panthers In An NFC South Clash, 30-28

It was a back and forth game between the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers in Week 4. Panthers' QB Cam Newton returned to his hometown of Atlanta looking to improve his Panthers to 2-2. Falcons' QB Matt Ryan was determined to help his Falcons improve to 4-0. This game came right down to the last 30 seconds of the game.

In the first half, Atlanta lead 24-14 but Panthers' QB Cam Newton lead a ferocious run. Atlanta slowly crept back into the game in the second half by the leadership of Matt Ryan and WR Roddy White's spectacular play making. In the last 1:15 of the game, Carolina QB Cam Newton fumbled the ball on a 4th & 1 play that could've helped the Panthers run out the clock and seal a win. Atlanta was down 28-27 and started their drive on their own 1 yard line. Matt Ryan used his strong arm and completed a deep pass to Roddy White on about the 30 yard line on the Panthers' side. After a few short passes that gained the right amount of yards to get into field goal range, Falcons' kicker Matt Bryant punched in the game winning field goal that helped Atlanta stay undefeated.

Falcons QB Matt Ryan celebrating with TE Tony Gonzalez

Falcons' QB Matt Ryan went 25/40 for 369 yards and threw for 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. WR Roddy White caught 8 passes for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns. RB Michael Turner had 13 carries for 103 yards. He also caught 3 catches for 68 yards and 1 touchdown catch. When facing pressure and with the game on the line, Matt Ryan didn't have any doubts that Atlanta can come out with a win. Ryan has a history of many 4th quarter game winning drives. He only has 4 losses at the Georgia Dome.

On defense, linebacker Stephen Nicholas had 8 total tackles. Defensive end John Abraham had 5 tackles and 1 sack. Safety William Moore and Cornerback Daunta Robinson also contributed with 5 tackles each. Defensive end Ray Edwards recovered a fumble. The key play of the game for Atlanta's defense was the recovered fumble on the 4th & 1 play against Cam Newton.

Kicker Matt Bryant celebrating his game winning field goal

The Falcons now look ahead to face the Washington Redskins next week after this little scare. Atlanta is 4-0 while Washington is 2-2. Redskins' QB Robert Griffin III is struggling after a great Week 1 start while Falcons' QB is carrying a lot of momentum and being undefeated. The environment will be rough in Washington but the Falcons have proved time and time again that they can win no matter what the situation is.

Thanks for tuning in this week and hopefully the Falcons can improve to 5-0 next week. Lets expect more fantastic and exciting football. So until then, RISE UP ATLANTA!!!-Yuriy A.