This became evident on the Panthers’ first drive of the game, and the second passing play.
After weeks of the Panthers’ leaning on the run game, at times to the detriment of the explosive passing game, they saw the danger of that during the Week 10 loss to the Saints. New Orleans put all their focus into shutting down the run game, and Carolina’s passing game couldn’t make up the difference.
But on Sunday, against the No. 1 passing defense in the league coming into the game — the Falcons hadn’t allowed more than 221 passing yards in any game this year — Canales and the Panthers showed a willingness to sling it around the yard. It started with a 15-yard shot over the middle of the field to Coker on that second passing play, kick-starting two things Canales had been calling for: vertical passing and a big day for Coker.
“I don’t really think about it like that,” expressed a humble Coker, who finished with four catches for 52 yards. “I go out there and I play and I do my best every time I step on the field, so whether I’m getting targets, not getting targets, catching it, not catching it, I’m going to continue to do everything I can, whether that’s blocking or anything like that. So it is what it is. If it comes to me, it comes to me, and it’s my job to catch the ball.”