The Atlanta Falcons have a lot to figure after Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers. From the head coach to the quarterback, the future of this Atlanta team is the most uncertain it has been since Dan Quinn was fired in 2020.
Not only did the Falcons lose to a one-win Carolina team, but they blew a game in which they held their opponent under 10 points and without a touchdown. Turnovers and a lack of offensive productivity were the main reasons Atlanta left Charlotte with a loss on Sunday.
After rookie Bijan Robinson lost a fumble in the third quarter, quarterback Desmond Ridder made another devastating mistake with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter.
On second down in the red zone, Ridder rolled out to his left and forced a pass directly into the hands of Panthers safety Xavier Woods (see below):
❌ marks the spots ❌ pic.twitter.com/bU9l6n8fFE
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 17, 2023
The Panthers took full advantage of the opportunity and effectively killed the clock on their way to a game-winning goal. Linebacker Brian Burns said he was surprised to see Ridder make such an aggressive throw in that situation.
“I kind of seen it the whole way,” Burns told reporters. “I didn’t think he was going to throw it. He kind of caught me off guard when he actually threw it.”
Watch Burns’ full comments on Ridder below, as shared by reporter Cam Gaskins (NOTE: Video contains profanity).
WATCH: Brian Burns pretty honest about some of the Falcons (more specifically, Desmond Ridder) mistakes the Panthers defense capitalized on in this win.
"I kind of seen it the whole way, I didn't think he was going to throw it… that wasn't a very good play by Ridder." pic.twitter.com/ZIcIz4NCP1
— Cam Gaskins (@CamGaskinsTV) December 17, 2023
To Ridder’s credit, he took full responsibility for the late-game blunder after Sunday’s loss. Atlanta was leading by one point at the time of the interception — which took away a chance for a field goal or potential touchdown that could have sealed a Falcons win.
“I have to just throw the ball away and live to see another down,” Ridder told reporters after the game.
