Big finish puts Falcons over Panthers

After a game that looked like a sure loss was turned into a victory with a thrilling, late-game comeback from quarterback Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons, the Falcons faithful was at somewhat of a loss to put the game into perspective as Atlanta begins the season 4-0.

Ryan, who had been an early key to the Falcons overwhelming success through the first three weeks, suffered alongside other parts of the Falcons’ attack, which were exploited by a game Panthers squad.

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who had come under fire recently for his poor start to the 2012 season, had a big game, but it proved too little for the Panthers when the final gun sounded. It was Newton’s fumble on a play that could have clinched the game for the Panthers that had the bloggers most frustrated.

The Falcons were able to move the ball to the Panther 22-yard line, setting up Bryant for the game-winning kick. The drive was setup by a mistake by Cam Newton. Newton appeared to have a first down on the previous drive, but fumbled and the recovery spot was short of a first down, forcing Carolina to punt.

Newton finished 15-of-24 for 215 yards and two touchdowns while also adding 86 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Ryan completed 25-of-40 pass attempts for 369 yards and three touchdowns. The game went back-and-forth with six lead changes and neither team leading by more than 10 points.

Following the touchdown, Newton (an Atlanta native) knew just how to get under the skin of the local crowd: dance the A-Town stomp.

This won’t do much for Newton’s relation with Atlanta fans, but who cares? The NFC South could use more bad blood.

Working with a short field, Newton runs the zone option for a 30+ gain on the ground. This is the bread and butter of the Panthers’ offense, and how they branch their offense. From there he was able to use his arm, as well as his legs to make the play.

Here is a look at the Falcons’ inactive list:

QB Dominque Davis

Atlanta swept both games between the two teams in 2011, winning by an average margin of 11 points.

Game Time/TV Schedule: 1 p.m. ET on FOX

In 14 recent games played in Atlanta, Carolina is just 3-10-1 ATS, according to the matchup report trends. They face a 7.5-point spread this week and see a total of 48.5 as of mid-week, although online sportsbook Top Bet had the number at 49, the best value for UNDER bettors so far in Week 4).

Through three games this season, a strong case could be made that the Atlanta Falcons have been the NFL’s most impressive team. With a 3-0 SU and ATS record and outscoring opponents 94-48, Atlanta has looked sharp on both sides of the ball in all three of its games.

That over/under could be blown up if Panthers quarterback Cam Newton can turn his play around and get their offense in gear. Newton has struggled to find the end zone this year as he has already thrown five interceptions to only two touchdowns.

As for the Falcons, they are clicking on all cylinders and are led by quarterback Matt Ryan, who is having a great year so far by completing 72 percent of his passes, and he has eight touchdowns to just one interception.

Sunday’s Week 4 battle has the experts going with Atlanta. Over at ESPN.com, the early consensus is for the Falcons.

On CBSSports.com, the experts are split. However, those analysts are picking the game with the spread, and the Falcons are listed as 7.5-point favorites.