The Carolina Panthers bounced back in a huge way Sunday, dominating the Atlanta Falcons 34-3 in an NFC South matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. After allowing 59 points in their season opener, Carolina’s defense delivered a completely different performance and helped the Panthers improve to 1-1.
Bryce Young led the way offensively, completing 23 of 36 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. Two of those touchdowns went to Darren Waller, who provided a major impact in his first season with the Panthers.
Carolina jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter before adding another 10 points in the second. Young connected with Waller for a seven-yard touchdown just before halftime, giving the Panthers a 20-3 advantage heading into the locker room.
The Panthers continued pouring it on after halftime. Young found Waller again for a 12-yard touchdown, and Devin Lloyd delivered the biggest defensive play of the afternoon when he intercepted Jack Strand and returned it 16 yards for a touchdown.
The defense forced five Atlanta turnovers, completely disrupting the Falcons’ offense. Cooper Rush threw two interceptions and lost a fumble before giving way to Strand, whose first NFL pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.
Carolina also held Atlanta to just 286 total yards and only three points. Bijan Robinson finished with 72 rushing yards, but the Falcons couldn’t turn their offensive opportunities into touchdowns.
For the Panthers, the victory is a major turnaround after their Week 1 defensive struggles. Young also continued his strong history against Atlanta, improving to 5-1 against the Falcons.
Carolina will now look to carry the momentum into Week 3 when the Panthers travel to face the Cleveland Browns.
