Atlanta Falcons: Fantasy Outlook Finishing the Season
By Adnan Ikic
Defensive MVP’s (2 Sacks, 1 Fumble Recovery, 13 Points Allowed: 8.0 Points)
Dec 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) carries the ball as he tries to escape Atlanta Falcons defensive end Malliciah Goodman (93) in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The defense came into this game facing off against a high powered Panthers offense which had just dropped 38 on them two weeks ago. They really turned it around this time, however.
The Panthers possessed the ball first, and went on a long drive culminated by a Cam Newton rushing touchdown, it was at that point that some fans had that “here we go again” feeling.
They were kept out of the endzone after that, and were limited to just two field goals thanks to some great coverage and a timely 16 yard sack of Newton in the second quarter, by Jonathan Babineaux and Kroy Bierman which pushed Carolina out of FG range.
This game was a coming out party by rookie Vic Beasley, who ramped up pressure on Newton all game long (along with the rest of the D-Line), and who had the game sealing strip sack of Newton at the end of the game.
Analysis: Eight points was a lot better than many expected from the defense against a Carolina offense that had been surging all year long. The Falcons might have some draft appeal next season, depending on what the team does in the draft and free agency.