ATLANTA – Quarterback Sam Darnold was in the sideline tent being evaluated for a concussion, and the Carolina Panthers appeared to be having another red zone meltdown with just under seven minutes left in Sunday’s 19-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
On first-and-goal from the 1, there was a near interception of a P.J. Walker pass that got the backup quarterback an immediate earful from coach Matt Rhule on the sideline. Then there was a delay of game that made it second down from the 6.
Instead of calling a pass play at that point, which had been offensive coordinator Joe Brady's tendency most of the season, he called a rush, and running back Chuba Hubbard scampered six yards for the touchdown that increased Carolina’s lead to 19-10.