Game story
In Week 17 of the 2014 NFL season on 2014-12-28, the Carolina Panthers took care of business against the Atlanta Falcons, pulling away with a 34–3 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) paced the passing game, with -28.92 total EPA, and -7.3% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, J. Jones (Atlanta Falcons) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +3.75 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-13.7% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Atlanta Falcons changed the game: (4:32) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right intended for 84-R.White INTERCEPTED by 41-R.Harper [95-C.Johnson] at ATL 31. 41-R.Harper for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers | 10 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 34 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Jones · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.75 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.47 EPA/play
- 2 C. Newton · Carolina Panthers · Passing · +3.66 total EPA · 20 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
- 3 C. Brown · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +3.50 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.75 EPA/play
- 4 C. Brown · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +2.16 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.16 EPA/play
- 5 C. Newton · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +1.82 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
- 6 E. Dickson · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +1.58 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.58 EPA/play
- 7 J. Stewart · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +1.27 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.63 EPA/play
- 8 J. Cotchery · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +1.13 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Jones — ATL · Receiving
J. Jones posted the highest total EPA (+3.75) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Atlanta Falcons's efficiency. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +0.47 EPA per play.
The signature play (-8.66 EPA) came from Atlanta Falcons: (:23) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left intended for 83-H.Douglas INTERCEPTED by 33-T.Boston at CAR 16. 33-T.Boston for 84 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CAR-24-J.Norman, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Carolina Panthers — E. Dickson (C. Newton pass)
- Carolina Panthers — R. Harper
- Carolina Panthers — C. Newton
- Carolina Panthers — T. Boston
Field goals
- Carolina Panthers — G. Gano
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Bryant
- Carolina Panthers — G. Gano
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 10–0. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the ATL 3 (Q1 52:55) — (7:55) 9-G.Gano 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the ATL 5 (Q1 45:10) — (:10) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 84-E.Dickson for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q1 45:04) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. CAR-77-B.Bell was injured during the play. His return is Probable..
The second quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 14–3. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the CAR 3 (Q2 40:41) — (10:41) 3-M.Bryant 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the CAR 91 (Q2 34:32); Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 34:18) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the ATL 4 (Q2 31:54) — (1:54) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton right guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q2 31:47) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman..
The third quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 10–0. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the ATL 30 (Q3 23:49) — (8:49) 9-G.Gano 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the CAR 36 (Q3 15:23); Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the ATL 2 (Q3 15:07) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 34:32) — (4:32) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right intended for 84-R.White INTERCEPTED by 41-R.Harper [95-C.Johnson] at ATL 31. 41-R.Harper for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 32:07) — (2:07) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 84-R.White to ATL 42 for 20 yards (57-A.Glanton). FUMBLES (57-A.Glanton), RECOVERED by CAR-58-T.Davis at ATL 42. 58-T.Davis to ATL 9 for 33 yards (80-L.Toilolo). P
- Carolina Panthers (Q2 37:29) — (7:29) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep left to 16-C.Brown pushed ob at CAR 46 for 28 yards (36-K.Ishmael).
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 47:56) — (2:56) (Shotgun) 16-C.Brown left end pushed ob at ATL 34 for 28 yards (20-D.Lowery).
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 57:36) — (12:36) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton scrambles right end to ATL 34 for 13 yards (36-K.Ishmael).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 15:23) — (:23) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left intended for 83-H.Douglas INTERCEPTED by 33-T.Boston at CAR 16. 33-T.Boston for 84 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CAR-24-J.Norman, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yar
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 32:07) — (2:07) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 84-R.White to ATL 42 for 20 yards (57-A.Glanton). FUMBLES (57-A.Glanton), RECOVERED by CAR-58-T.Davis at ATL 42. 58-T.Davis to ATL 9 for 33 yards (80-L.Toilolo). P
- Atlanta Falcons (Q2 34:32) — (4:32) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right intended for 84-R.White INTERCEPTED by 41-R.Harper [95-C.Johnson] at ATL 31. 41-R.Harper for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 11:05) — (11:05) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan sacked at CAR 28 for -5 yards (98-S.Lotulelei).
Quarterback report card
M.Ryan led all passers in efficiency for Atlanta Falcons, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- M.Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 56 dropbacks · 51.8% completion · -7.3% CPOE · -0.52 EPA/play · -28.92 total EPA
- C.Newton (Carolina Panthers) · 20 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · -0.2% CPOE · +0.18 EPA/play · +3.66 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Carolina Panthers | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.083 | -0.367 |
| Offensive success rate | 48.5% | 32.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.183 | -0.516 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.059 | -0.398 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.367 | -0.083 |
| Defensive success rate | 67.4% | 51.5% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Carolina Panthers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.08 vs -0.37), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Atlanta Falcons: 11 drives, -32.70 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Carolina Panthers: 11 drives, +5.46 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Carolina Panthers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- J. Jones (Atlanta Falcons) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- M. Ryan (ATL) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q1 52:55 · ATL 3 · Score 3-0
(7:55) 9-G.Gano 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q1 45:10 · ATL 5 · Score 9-0
(:10) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 84-E.Dickson for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q1 45:04 · ATL 2 · Score 10-0
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. CAR-77-B.Bell was injured during the play. His return is Probable. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 40:41 · CAR 3 · Score 10-3
(10:41) 3-M.Bryant 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 34:32 · CAR 91 · Score 16-3
(4:32) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right intended for 84-R.White INTERCEPTED by 41-R.Harper [95-C.Johnson] at ATL 31. 41-R.Harper for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 34:18 · ATL 2 · Score 17-3
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 31:54 · ATL 4 · Score 23-3
(1:54) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton right guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 31:47 · ATL 2 · Score 24-3
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q3 23:49 · ATL 30 · Score 27-3
(8:49) 9-G.Gano 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q3 15:23 · CAR 36 · Score 33-3
(:23) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left intended for 83-H.Douglas INTERCEPTED by 33-T.Boston at CAR 16. 33-T.Boston for 84 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CAR-24-J - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q3 15:07 · ATL 2 · Score 34-3
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
The Carolina Panthers beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-3 in Week 17, 2014 on 2014-12-28.
What was the final score of Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
The final score was Carolina Panthers 34, Atlanta Falcons 3 (CAR 34-3 ATL) in Week 17, 2014 on 2014-12-28.
What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
Q1: Carolina Panthers 10, Atlanta Falcons 0; Q2: Carolina Panthers 14, Atlanta Falcons 3; Q3: Carolina Panthers 10, Atlanta Falcons 0; Final: Carolina Panthers 34, Atlanta Falcons 3.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
Carolina Panthers touchdown — E. Dickson (C. Newton pass) (Q1 45:10) Carolina Panthers touchdown — R. Harper (Q2 34:32) Carolina Panthers touchdown — C. Newton (Q2 31:54) Carolina Panthers touchdown — T. Boston (Q3 15:23) Carolina Panthers field goal — G. Gano (Q1 52:55, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q2 40:41, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — G. Gano (Q3 23:49, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 51.8% completion, -7.3% CPOE, -0.52 EPA per dropback, -28.92 total passing EPA. C. Newton (Carolina Panthers), 50.0% completion, -0.2% CPOE, +0.18 EPA per dropback, +3.66 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
J. Jones (Atlanta Falcons) led the game in total EPA with +3.75 on receiving plays. across 8 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-8.66 EPA): (:23) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep left intended for 83-H.Douglas INTERCEPTED by 33-T.Boston at CAR 16. 33-T.Boston for 84 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CAR-24-J.Norman, Unsportsman. The biggest win-probability swing was -13.7%.
Season records after this game
Carolina Panthers
Entered 6-8 Now 7-8 W
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 6-9 Now 6-10 L
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