The Panthers continued their home losing streak (0-6) and overall downward spiral with a 20-13 loss to the previously 2-6 Atlanta Falcons. In what has become a very foreboding trend, the defense put up another solid effort only to have the offense put up 7 three and outs and a fumble.

It seems every week there is a defining play that represents the snake-bitten nature of the Panthers season-to-date. This week it came courtesy of the much anticipated Steve Smith – DeAngelo Hall match-up. Smith made a beautiful catch over the top of Hall at the 2 yard line and looked like he was about to tie the game and answer the Falcons opening score. Hall recovered in time to knock the ball loose from Smith and through the end zone for a touchback. It was as close as the Panthers offense would get to a TD the rest of the day.

Game notes and observations:

• Ken Lucas put up the defenses first TD of the season with a fumble return for the Panthers lone TD of the day. After getting off to a slow start, Lucas is quietly putting together a nice season. Anyone else get a kick out of Lucas’ lone wolf looking howl he makes when he makes a big play?

• Jon Beason led the defense with 9 tackles and 2 assists. It won’t be long before we come to expect outstanding performances from Beason on a weekly basis.

• Vinny Testaverde (13 for 28, 153 yards) struggled on a gimpy foot and was basically a statue in the pocket. At times Vinny made some good throws and handled the Falcons pressure well. Other times he made bad throws or no throw. There is one consistency I’ve seen across all of the Panthers QB’s this season: the look a anguish at the site of another dropped pass or poorly run route.

• Ryne Robinson had a career long 33 yard punt return and overall ran with more confidence, made several nice cuts and ran with power. Maybe he has turned the corner.

• The kick coverage was terrible again at the worse possible time, allowing a 23 yard punt return to give the Falcons good field position prior to their winning TD drive

• The Falcons bottled up DeShaun Foster who finished with a 3.0 yard per rush average (20 carries for 59 yards) and a long of nine yards. This is really the area where the Panthers should have helped themselves and Vinny but the o-line couldn’t produce any holes.

• LB Adam Seward (1 tackle) got on the field for the first time this season and WR Dwayne Jarrett (2 catches for 28 yards) returned as well. Neither though had an impact on the game.

• The Panthers recorded two sacks and now appear out of danger of setting the NFL record of fewest sacks in a season

• I know SS Chris Harris (5 tackles, 1 forced fumble) has played well for the most part and many people are giving him props but... he missed tackles on both of the Falcons TD’s. On the Warrick Dunn TD he tried to tackle him high and got a stiff arm when he could have gone for his legs.

In spite the poor state of the offense and the Panthers 4-5 record they still remain only one game out in the NFC South. There is still time for the Panthers to turn things around but with the 8-1 Packers up next 4-6 is looking more likely. Time is running out on the Panthers season.