A team (or in this case, unit) cannot play perfect every single week. I get it, I understand it. Football is a funny game, and even on the days you think you are most prepared, sometimes you are not. Such was the case for the Carolina Panthers run defense on Sunday. They had a chance to dominate against an injured Falcons team without Devonta Freeman and they blew it.
For starters, this was a team that ranked No. 3 in rushing defense in 2017. They allowed 88.1 yards per contest last year (with the most given up being Week 13 against New Orleans).