Drake London Shines in Falcons’ Tough Loss as PFF Grades Highlight Top Performers
The Atlanta Falcons faced a challenging setback on Sunday, suffering their fifth consecutive defeat with a narrow 30-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Despite the disappointing result, several players emerged as standouts, with wide receiver Drake London continuing to make headlines.
Defensive Highlights Amid Struggles
The Falcons’ defense maintained a notable performance, achieving their third consecutive game with five or more sacks. This defensive prowess was reflected in the latest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades, with six defenders earning scores of 70 or higher.
Leading the charge was LaCale London, an interior defender who recorded an impressive 83.7 grade, making him not only the highest-graded defender for Atlanta but also the second highest overall player in the game. He showcased his skills with a sack, a quarterback hurry, two tackles, and three defensive stops, complemented by an outstanding run defense grade of 82.4.
Kaden Elliss followed closely behind with a grade of 82.7, contributing a sack, five tackles, and three defensive stops while limiting the Panthers to just 17 yards in coverage. Cornerback Cobee Bryant, newly elevated from the practice squad, impressed with an 88.8 coverage grade, allowing only eight yards on two tackles.
The top five defenders were rounded out by defensive tackle Kentavius Street (77.0) and outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie (73.7), both of whom added significant contributions to the defensive effort. Street had five tackles and three defensive stops, while Ebiketie recorded a quarterback hurry and a tackle.
Challenges for New Faces
However, not all newcomers fared well in this matchup. Outside linebacker Khalid Kareem and cornerback Natrone Brooks struggled significantly, with Kareem receiving the lowest grade on the team at 43.0. He managed one tackle and a quarterback hurry during his 26 snaps, but his run defense grade of 39.1 left much to be desired.
Ruke Orhorhoro, another defensive tackle, also faced challenges with a 47.4 grade, while safety Jessie Bates (51.8) and interior defender Brandon Dorlus (55.5) rounded out the bottom five lowest graded defenders. Bates, who had previously excelled in Weeks 9 and 10, allowed receptions on three of four targets, ending the game with seven tackles but a disappointing coverage grade of 49.7.
Drake London Continues to Impress
On the offensive side, Drake London shone brightly, marking his third consecutive 100-yard game. He was the highest graded offensive player for the Falcons, finishing with an 80.8 score. London caught seven passes for 119 yards, making several key plays before exiting the game due to injury.
This season, London has elevated his game, recording six receptions of 30 yards or more, the most in a single season for his career. His ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays has been a bright spot for Atlanta amid a challenging season.
Other Offensive Standouts
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. followed closely behind London with a grade of 79.1, while running back Bijan Robinson earned a 74.8. Center Ryan Neuzil (74.3) and running back Tyler Allgeier (70.8) also made significant contributions, rounding out the top performers on offense.
As the Falcons navigate through their struggles, the performances of players like Drake London and the defensive standouts provide glimpses of hope for the team moving forward.
