Last season, Atlanta spoiled Carolina’s bid for a perfect record by winning a fierce, highlight-filled contest in Week 16. The game’s conclusion was one to remember: A little more than a minute was left in the fourth quarter when Vic Beasley Jr. strip-sacked Cam Newton to force a turnover, all but sealing a 20-13 victory for the Falcons.
This week’s Madden 17 simulation had an eerily similar outcome. Atlanta once again took a seven-point lead into the waning moments of regulation. Once again, the Panthers were on offense. And once again, Beasley tracked down Newton in the backfield and knocked the pigskin loose.