Atlanta Falcons Suffer More Late-Game Heartbreak, Fall to Carolina Panthers as Offense Struggles

The Atlanta Falcons' playoff hopes took a significant hit following Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers.

In a game marred by bad weather and offensive struggles, the Atlanta Falcons (6-8) fell victim to a familiar late-game demise, taking a 9-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers (2-12) on Sunday inside Bank of America Stadium.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young led a 17-play, 85-yard drive that took the final 7:35 off the clock, and kicker Eddy Piniero nailed a 23-yard field goal to seal a victory.

Carolina hadn't won a game since Oct. 29. It had lost six straight games. Atlanta entered in a three-way tie for the NFC South lead and six-way tie for the final wildcard spot, hoping to break a six-year playoff drought.

But Atlanta's offense saw its three second-half drives end in frustration, with a punt, fumble by rookie running back Bijan Robinson and redzone interception from quarterback Desmond Ridder proving costly.

Ridder finished the afternoon 12 of 20 for 152 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Atlanta's rushing offense mustered only 52 yards on 31 carries.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) passes the ball to receiver KhaDarel Hodge (12) in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons scored the game's lone touchdown, midway through the second quarter, as a pop pass from Ridder to running back Cordarrelle Patterson gave Atlanta a 7-0 lead.

But still, Atlanta's defense, which had been so strong throughout the afternoon, couldn't get off the field at the end, giving a brutal blow to its playoff hopes.

The Falcons were outgained 283-204 by the Panthers and picked up fewer first downs, logging 12 to Carolina's 17.

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It's a game Atlanta desperately needed but simply failed to finish, falling apart offensively and defensively down the stretch.

The Falcons return to action Sunday, when they host the Indianapolis Colts (8-6) at 1 p.m. EST inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.