Sir Purr
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- Mar 16, 2019
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Luke vs. Julio … again?
The two star players were matched up in memorable play back in 2015, and the Panthers weren’t on the right side of it.
Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones leapt over the Carolina linebacker for a sensational 70-yard touchdown in that game a few years ago, and Kuechly once again found himself defending Jones deep down the field this Sunday.
On third-and-16 late in the second quarter, the Falcons went with a five wide receiver look with Jones lined up tight on the right side. Jones ran straight down seam and Kuechly ran with him, perhaps scheming up that matchup for their go-to receiver.
“Sometimes you get in situations where – obviously you don’t want to be on a guy like him way down the field, but I was. I was in the right spot,” Kuechly said. “When the ball is thrown in your area and you’re on the guy, you got to make a play on the ball. It’s pretty straightforward.”
Added Rivera: "Maybe I could have called something different to put Luke in a better position."
Kuechly was right there as Ryan’s pass dropped into Jones’ hands for a 48-yard completion. It couldn't have been placed any better.
“My approach on that play was to play his hands,” Kuechly explained. “As his hands came up I tried to put my hand in there to deflect the ball. Great throw, great catch. But looking back on it, I need to make the adjustment for the ball and get my head back so I can see the ball. I have to make that play.”
Even if Kuechly had managed to break up that pass, the Falcons’ drive would have continued as edge rusher Mario Addison was penalized for roughing the passer. Not that that makes Kuechly feel any better.
And cornerback James Bradberry took some responsibility as well for not communicating a call to safety Eric Reid, who wasn’t able to get to Jones in time to affect the play.
The Falcons took a 20-0 lead with a 2-yard touchdown run on the next play.
“I could’ve helped (Luke) out,” Bradberry said. “I could’ve gave a ‘push’ call , could’ve got the safety over to help Luke out. So, I’ll take some blame for that, but that’s just the coverage. Sometimes the coverage can’t beat everything. Sometimes they get you.”