ATLANTA — Wide receiver Curtis Samuel has turned into Mr. Third Down the past few weeks, grabbing an NFL-high eight passes on third down during the Panthers’ three-game win streak. But no conversion may have been as consequential as a 17-yard run by the former college running back during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win over the Falcons.

Safety Juston Burris had just intercepted quarterback Mike Ryan in the end zone, helping Carolina cling to a 20-13 lead. But moments later, the Panthers faced a third-and-2 from their own 28. So they called their first timeout to make sure they had the right play. But even then, head coach Matt Rhule revealed after the game that quarterback Teddy Bridgewater made a check at the line.

“I just felt like, honestly, just give the ball to Curtis,” Bridgewater said.

With the quarterback in a