Falcons vs Panthers: Snap Counts, Analysis, and Late Christmas Miracles

Offense

Chris Chester: 62 (100%)
Andy Levitre: 62
Ryan Schraeder: 62
Jake Matthews: 62
Mike Person: 62
Matt Ryan: 62
Julio Jones: 53
Devonta Freeman: 53
Roddy White: 52
Justin Hardy: 38
Levine Toilolo: 37
Jacob Tamme: 36
Patrick DiMarco: 26
Tony Moeaki: 9
Nick Williams: 4
Terron Ward: 2

The offense looked as if were going to lay another goose egg after the first set of downs, but a personal foul on Carolina gave Matt Ryan and company new life. We didn't see them come out with the same fire until the 3rd quarter, where it immediately became the Julio Jones Show from there on out. The line held up surprisingly well in the second half, allowing Matt to make some throws that we have rarely seen this year. 20 points may look weak at a glance, but should be seen as a step in the right direction against one of the more stout units in Carolina.

As for snap counts, nothing is out of the ordinary this week. Tevin Coleman was absent on the list after being placed in concussion protocol thanks to some slippery showers, and Julio looks as if he's fully recovered from any lingering issues in his knee.

Similar to the whole season, Hardy failed to provide much production given his snaps, but that's to be expected out of a 4th round pick in his rookie year. On the other hand, Roddy more or less had his breakout game, showing he can still be a reliable target when used on intermediate routes. If White can put up another 60-70 yard performance next week, I can't help but think we end the season with three consecutive victories.

Defense

Desmond Trufant: 52 (100%)
Robert Alford: 52
Ricardo Allen: 52
Justin Durant: 48
Jonathan Babineaux: 38
Malliciah Goodman: 36
Charles Godfrey: 35
Phillip Adams: 34
Adrian Clayborn: 32
Vic Beasley: 31
Nate Stupar: 27
Tyson Jackson: 23
Kroy Biermann: 21
O'Brien Schofield: 19
Paul Worrilow: 18
Kemal Ishmael: 17
Ra'Shede Hageman: 17
Philip Wheeler: 11
Paul Soliai: 5
Brooks Reed: 4

Like several weeks ago, Atlanta's defense initially came out flat and allowed Carolina's offense to impose their will early. Unfortunately for the Panthers, that seemed to be the wake-up call they desperately needed. Without much of a run treat, Atlanta was able to attack Cam with whatever pass rush they could muster. Rookie Vic Beasley gave us an absolutely brilliant showing, and guys like Biermann, Clayborn, Babineaux, and Hageman got in on the fun as well.

Despite the good vibes from defense, Soliai was lost early with injury, but paved the way for Babineaux to pick up a majority of the snaps at defensive tackle. Hageman saw 17 after being questionable before the game, but still dominated when he saw the field. Had Jarrett not been sidelined with injury, he could have seen some nice developmental reps with over half of the defensive snaps.

As for safety, it looks like Godfrey and Ishmael picked up all of William Moore's snaps, with the edge given to Charles. This was the first time that I can think of that we've seen heavy action out of Godfrey, and it just so happens that his coverage capped off some really clutch defensive stops.

Finally, it looks as if Worrilow is still healing up, as Stupar saw extensive time in the starting lineup for the second week. For what it's worth, Nate is filling in quite nicely.

Special Teams

Kroy Biermann: 18 (86%)
Nate Stupar: 16
Levine Toilolo: 15
Robinsen Therezie: 13
Charles Godfrey: 12
Matt Bosher: 11
Patrick DiMarco: 8
Nick Williams: 8
Desmond Trufant: 8
Robert Alford: 8
Tyson Jackson: 8
Jalen Collins: 8
Tony Moeaki: 7
Terron Ward: 7
Adrian Clayborn: 7
Devin Hester: 7
Phillip Adams: 6
Josh Harris: 6
Chris Chester: 5
Andy Levitre: 5
Ryan Schraeder: 5
Jake Matthews: 5
Justin Hardy: 5
Shane Graham: 5
O'Brien Schofield: 4
Kemal Ishmael: 4
Ricardo Allen: 7
Jake Long: 4 !!!!
Paul Worrilow: 3
Ra'Shede Hageman: 3
Eric Weems: 2
Paul Soliai: 1

Special teams didn't play quite as well as it did the week prior. There were no big returns out out of Hester and the return team, and the Panthers were able to down the ball inside Atlanta's 20 yard line on more than one occasion. Shane Graham missed his first attempt with Atlanta this season, and went 2/3 on the day. After a gutsy call by Quinn that could have gave Carolina good field position, Graham nailed a career long 54 yard field goal to put Atlanta up by 7 with a minute and a half left. Overall, the third phase showed up when it was pivotal, but could have been better all around.

Opinions on the counts above?