Panthers beat Falcons to open Week 10

The Thursday night game is over for Week 10. The Carolina Panthers hosted the Atlanta Falcons in rainy and damp conditions.

After an error-filled game, Carolina prevailed in the contest, winning 25-15. The result sees the Panthers improve to 3-7 while the Falcons fell to 4-6. Both teams will remain optimistic about their playoff chances in their division, one where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in first place with just a 4-5 record this season.

Statistical recap

The game did not feature a notable passing performance. Marcus Mariota threw for 186 yards on 19 for 30 passing. He had two passing touchdowns in the game and one INT for a passer rating of 89.0.

The leading rusher in the game was D’Onta Foreman of Carolina. He had 31 rushing attempts for 130 yards. One thing that could be noted on the rushing front is that Cordarelle Patterson did not contribute that much. He had some excellent statistics early in the season but since coming back from injury, he has not been effective. He ran for just 18 yards on Thursday night on five carries.

The leading receiver in the game was Atlanta’s Damiere Byrd. He had just 58 yards on the night in a game where there was not really a standout player except for Foreman.

What’s next for both teams?

The Falcons will play their next game on Sunday in Week 11. They will host the Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, Carolina will have a much tougher game. They will go on the road to face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Week 11.

Each of Atlanta and Carolina will have a long week before their Week 11 games. Each will also be watching the scoreboard this Sunday as they keep tabs on their divisional foes. The NFC South looks like a division where an 8-win season might be good enough to win it.

Further reading: Buffalo’s injury report with Josh Allen on it