Key takeaway: The Falcons looked like the team they want to be in the first half. However, their inconsistencies flared in the second half, returning them to the team they have been lately. Atlanta wanted to flip the script in Week 11, and it couldn’t fully do so.
Key moment: The Falcons had a quarterback change in the third quarter. Panthers safety Tre’von Moehrig sacked starter Michael Penix Jr. on a third-and-10 play at the Atlanta 22-yard line. Penix was slow to get up afterward and went straight into the sideline injury tent once he did. He was then deemed questionable to return due to a knee injury. Backup Kirk Cousins came out with the offense for the Falcons’ next drive. At the time, Atlanta was up, 21-19.
Standout performance: Kaden Elliss. The Falcons’ inside linebacker had a clutch sack on Panthers quarterback Bryce Young in the third quarter. Carolina was at Atlanta’s 8-yard line facing a fourth-and-1 situation. Elliss’ sack prevented the Panthers from adding points to their already closing-in score. Carolina only had possession because Atlanta fumbled on the kickoff return.
Number to know: 4-of-11. The number of third downs the Falcons converted. Atlanta didn’t convert a single third down in its Week 10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, and it only converted one in its Week 9 loss to the New England Patriots. Though a 36% conversion rate could still be better, it’s a tiny step in the right direction for the Falcons.