FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Russell Gage ran downfield and hit the double move on a Carolina Panthers defensive back, just as quarterback Matt Ryan sold his pump fake and launched the ball.
It was the second drive two weeks ago against the Panthers, and the Atlanta Falcons (6-8) needed to get something going.
For much of the season, the franchise has looked to other places – Kyle Pitts or Cordarrelle Patterson – to jumpstart the team’s offense. On this day, and increasingly lately, it has been looking to Gage.