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Former Falcons Star WR Devastated After ‘Just Awful’ Blowout Loss to Panthers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Sep 21, 2025 4:31 PM ET

Few would have faulted longtime NFL receiver Brian Finneran for expecting the Atlanta Falcons to dominate the lowly Carolina Panthers in Week 3.

Instead, Finneran sat flabbergasted as he watched Bryce Young and the Panthers pull off a shocking 30-0 rout of the Falcons. Atlanta went 5-of-16 on third- and fourth-downs and, largely because of three turnovers, failed to score despite outgaining Carolina 332-224.

Finneran, who played 126 of his career 129 games with the Falcons, blasted Atlanta’s performance as “embarrassing” and “just awful.”

“The worst offensive game plan I’ve ever seen!!” Finneran wrote on Twitter/X. “Check downs, blindly thrown to pick 6 s, run game totally ignored, dropped passes, over throws under throws, bad reads, screens that don’t work!! Kickoff returner can’t catch. Just awful.”

Finneran’s jab at the kick returner referred to Ray-Ray McCloud, who doubles as the punt and kick returner.

Atlanta’s problems went far beyond McCloud. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. went 18-of-36 for 172 yards and two interceptions before being pulled in the fourth quarter. Kirk Cousins went 5-of-7 in garbage time, and it is unclear whether Cousins will start against the Washington Commanders in Week 4.

Falcons kicker Parker Romo missed both field-goal attempts, only days after the team cut fan favorite Younghoe Koo.

“That was an all timer there,” Finneran commented. “As bad as it gets. Lots to figure out but that was embarrassing. I’m sick!”

Although Falcons coach Raheem Morris shouldn’t expect to be dismissed within the coming weeks, he should nonetheless feel his seat getting warmer. Atlanta went 8-9 last year and allowed 24.9 points per game, 10th-worst leaguewide despite Morris’ defensive background. Now, the Falcons are 1-2 with division losses to Carolina and Tampa Bay, the latter coming at home in Week 1.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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