Falcons Control Wire-to-Wire in 38–23 Win Over Panthers

ATLANTA, GA - The Atlanta Falcons delivered one of their most complete performances of the season on Sunday, rolling past the Carolina Panthers 38-23 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, head coach Chuck Davis and the Falcons improved to 7-3, while Dave Canales and the Panthers fell to 4-7.

Falcons strike early and control the pace

Atlanta opened the scoring with a physical 5-yard touchdown run that immediately put pressure on Carolina. The Panthers answered with a 51-yard field goal, but the Falcons quickly reclaimed momentum and never let it go.

Michael Penix Jr. played sharp, decisive football throughout the first half. His 27-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Pitts helped Atlanta respond to Carolina's early touchdown drive, and just minutes later, Bijan Robinson added another explosive highlight by taking a 25-yard touchdown pass to the end zone. Atlanta blended power and speed effortlessly, making it difficult for Carolina to get off the field defensively.

Panthers show flashes but can't keep up

Bryce Young produced several standout moments for the Panthers. A 6-yard touchdown to Xavier Legette and a perfectly placed 40-yard strike to Tommy Tremble kept Carolina within reach, especially late in the second quarter when momentum briefly swung their way.

But despite these bright spots, Carolina struggled with consistency. Their drives often stalled, and Atlanta's pass rush forced Young into tight-window throws throughout the afternoon. Even after Rico Dowdle's 6-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, the failed two-point attempt halted Carolina's attempt to claw back into the game.

Atlanta finishes strong

Holding a comfortable lead entering the fourth quarter, the Falcons closed things out with poise. Younghoe Koo drilled a 29-yard field goal, and Tyler Allgeier delivered the finishing blow on a 20-yard touchdown run with just 1:34 remaining. The touchdown capped a balanced offensive effort highlighted by efficient quarterback play, explosive gains from Robinson, and timely red-zone execution.

With the victory, Atlanta continues to strengthen its playoff standing, while Carolina is left searching for answers as the schedule tightens.

Up Next

Both teams turn the page to week 12. The Panthers head west for a road matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara. The Falcons travel to Louisiana to take on the New Orleans Saints in a key NFC South showdown.