After a Mike Peterson interception of Jimmy Clausen, the Atlanta Falcons wasted little time in sealing this victory with a four-play, 16-yard drive culminating in Michael Turner’s third rushing touchdown of the day. Turner has carried 28 times for 112 yards and those three scores and been the steady force for the Falcons offense all day long.
The Panthers closed to within 10 after halftime but it was Turner who kept the offense moving on third down and was able to finish drives when they reached the red zone. What a difference a healthy Turner makes. Last season at this time, Turner was injured and the Falcons were dropping to 6-7 after 13 games. This season, the Falcons are putting the finishing touches on a blowout win in Carolina bringing their record to 11-2 and keeping their distance from the rest of the NFC for homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.