ATLANTA -- A few thoughts on the Carolina Panthers' 34-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome:
What it means: The Panthers (7-8-1) may have a losing record in the worst division in the NFL, but they enter the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the NFC with four straight wins. They also have become a complete team. Sure, none of the teams they beat down the stretch made the playoffs. But the defense that has been playing at a top-10 level the past nine games looked on Sunday like the unit that once ranked second in the NFL. It had six sacks and returned two interceptions for a touchdown. A third was negated by a penalty. It all starts with stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback, and the Panthers are doing both now. The offense has found a balance with one of the top running games in the league the last five games and quarterback Cam Newton is starting to perform at a high level. Except for a few rough spots on covering kicks, the Panthers have put everything together at the right time.
Stock watch: Newton has been impressive in managing the offense down the stretch. He was at his best in the first half, rushing six times for 51 yards and a touchdown and completing 8 of 12 pass attempts for 87 yards and a touchdown. He finished with a passer rating of 104.7 even though he threw only 16 times.
Speed kills: Since undrafted rookie Philly Brown has given the Panthers more speed at wide receiver, the offense has been more efficient in keeping opponents off balance. Brown had a 28-yard catch and a reverse in the first half. He added a 13-yard reverse in the third quarter.
Wild card: Strong safety Roman Harper had his second interception return for a touchdown this season, taking a Matt Ryan first-half pass back 31 yards to make it 17-3. Harper's play and leadership the second half have been key for a secondary that has been completely revamped, with him being the only starter left from Week 1. Among those added to the mix was rookie Tre Boston, who returned an interception 84 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.
Game ball: It would be easy to give the season game ball to Newton for everything he has gone through this season, in terms of rebounding from injuries and enjoying a hot finish. But tight end Greg Olsen has been the most consistent player on an inconsistent team. He led the Panthers in catches with 84 for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns. He personified what this team wanted to be all season.
What's next: The Panthers face the Arizona Cardinals in a NFC wild card at Bank of America Stadium next weekend.
