The Atlanta Falcons got off to a promising start against the Carolina Panthers in Week 11, but they were unable to capitalize on a 21-10 halftime lead and lost in overtime by a final score of 30-27. While the Falcons fared better than they did in their first meeting again the Panthers — a 30-0 loss back in Week 3 — this team has forgotten how to close out games.

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receiver Drake London suffered injuries in the second half and their replacements failed to keep the momentum going. Kirk Cousins replaced Penix late in the third quarter and the offense was unable to put the game away.

Sunday’s loss was the Falcons’ fifth in a row, and they now sit at 3-7 overall with seven games remaining. Here are five takeaways from Atlanta’s 30-27 overtime loss to the Panthers.

Falcons offense starts hot, goes cold after Penix injury

The Falcons offense seemed to remember Bijan Robinson was their best player early in their Week 11 matchup. The third-year running back had 16 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. Feeding Robinson early seemed to greatly increase the overall efficiency of the offense. However, once Penix went down in the third quarter, that efficiency quickly vanished. Cousins completed six of 14 passes for 48 yards (3.4 yards per attempt). This was a stark contrast from Penix, who finished 13-of-16 for 175 yards (10.9 yards per attempt).

Falcons rookies turn in another strong effort

If there’s one thing to like about this Falcons team, it’s their draft class. First-round pick James Pearce Jr. recorded three QB hits and another sack, bringing his total to 2.5 sacks for the season. The Falcons secondary was undermanned entering Sunday’s game as both Mike Hughes and Dee Alford were ruled out. That meant more work for rookies Billy Bowman Jr. and Cobee Bryant. Both rookies made plays, with Bowman recording a sack and Bryant coming up big on a fourth-down stop. Jalon Walker finished with four solo tackles and one QB hit.

Falcons run defense bounces back but pass defense hits new low

After giving up 244 yards on the ground to Jonathan Taylor in Week 10, the Falcons did a much better job of stopping the run against the Panthers. Atlanta held Carolina to just 27 rushing yards in the first half and 67 for the game. The problem was that Panthers QB Bryce Young passed for a career-high 448 yards and three touchdowns with zero turnovers. Young was extremely efficient, completing 31-of-45 passes against Atlanta’s secondary. However, the defense came up with five sacks and continues to make strides in this area.

Penix-to-London connection has become unstoppable

London had five catches for 108 receiving yards and a touchdown in the first half as Penix continues to look his way in the passing game. Penix passed for 163 yards in the first half, with 108 of those going to London. Over the last six games, London has 651 yards and six touchdowns. He was considerably less effective after Cousins entered the game. London later exited in the fourth quarter with a knee injury and did not return.

Time for change?

The Falcons have lost five straight games, and even though they’ve come painfully close to winning the last three weeks, this team has a clear problem finishing games. Head coach Raheem Morris deserves criticism, along with offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Atlanta’s biggest issue in recent weeks has been a lack of complementary football. The offense keeps going quiet at the worst possible times, the defense continues to give up untimely big plays, particularly at the end of each half. Special teams blunders also played a role, with Natrone Brooks fumbling on a kickoff return right after the Falcons took a 21-7 lead. Unfortunately, there’s no move that can salvage this season.

What’s next for the Falcons?

In Week 12, the Falcons will face the New Orleans Saints for the first time this season. The Saints should be fresh after their bye in Week 11, but they are just 2-8 overall through their first 10 games. While fans might assume this matchup will be an easy win, the Falcons have been anything but predictable this season. Sunday’s game has a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff time in New Orleans.