Penix Jr. shines, Pitts dominates as Falcons handle Panthers on the road

CHARLOTTE, NC - The Atlanta Falcons took control early and never looked back, beating the Carolina Panthers 24-13 in a key NFC South showdown. Behind a breakout performance from tight end Kyle Pitts and steady play from rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta secured its second straight win.

Game Recap

The Panthers opened with a field goal from Ryan Fitzgerald, but Atlanta answered quickly. Pitts hauled in an 8-yard touchdown pass from Penix Jr., and Younghoe Koo added a 45-yard field goal to give the Falcons a first-quarter edge.

Pitts continued to dominate, adding a 26-yard score in the second quarter. He wasn't done yet - his 66-yard touchdown catch in the third silenced the Charlotte crowd and pushed Atlanta's lead to double digits. The Panthers fought back late, as Bryce Young connected with Ja'Tavion Sanders on a 6-yard touchdown, but it was too little, too late.

Key Stats

• Michael Penix Jr. (ATL): 17/25, 259 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT, 141.4 passer rating

• Kyle Pitts (ATL): 4 catches, 117 yards, 3 TD

• Bijan Robinson (ATL): 19 carries, 92 yards; 3 catches, 24 yards

• Darnell Mooney (ATL): 5 catches, 82 yards

• Bryce Young (CAR): 16/22, 190 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

• Chuba Hubbard (CAR): 10 carries, 73 yards; 1 catch, 17 yards

• Ja'Tavion Sanders (CAR): 4 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD

Atlanta's defense also stepped up, forcing two turnovers - including a fumble recovery by Xavier Watts and an interception by Billy Bowman Jr.

Quotes

"We wanted to be aggressive and put pressure on them," Penix Jr. said. "Having a guy like Pitts makes my job easy."

Young reflected on the Panthers' struggles: "We had chances, but you can't settle for field goals in this league. We've got to finish drives."

Up Next

The Falcons return home in Week 4 to host the Washington Commanders, while the Panthers hit the road to face the New England Patriots.