Matt Ryan needed to be perfect on a day where he was missing his two top receivers due to injury, but his afternoon turned sour quickly with a pair of second-half interceptions, including a pick six that extended the Panthers lead 31-10.
Matt Ryan’s struggles continue vs. Panthers
The Atlanta Falcons find themselves in a three-score hole late in Sunday’s game.
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James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Throwing interceptions has quickly become a bad part of Ryan's game, as the Falcons quarterback has thrown a total of seven interceptions in two games -- both losses. Without a host of receivers he looks lost as a passer. Only Tony Gonzalez and Harry Douglas have been reliable receivers against Carolina, but neither has been able to make enough of an impact that they can stay in-step with a balanced Panthers offense.
Unless Atlanta is able to pull off a stunning comeback they will remain firmly in third place in the NFC South. Ryan will have some soul searching to do, as his struggles can’t solely be blamed on a lack of weapons. The Falcons quarterback is forcing passes and not playing the conservative, reliable football he’s been known for.
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