Charlotte, NC, September 21, 2025
News Summary
The Carolina Panthers secured their first win of the season by defeating the Atlanta Falcons 30-0, marking the Falcons’ first road shutout in a decade. Head Coach Raheem Morris acknowledged the Falcons’ struggles offensively, as they failed to reach the red zone and managed only minimal offensive yards. While quarterback Bryce Young led the Panthers with a strong performance, Michael Penix Jr. struggled for the Falcons, throwing two interceptions. The Panthers’ defense shined with three turnovers, highlighting their dominance. The Panthers next face the New England Patriots, while the Falcons will host the Washington Commanders.
Charlotte, NC – The Carolina Panthers achieved a historic feat by defeating the Atlanta Falcons 30-0 on Sunday. This victory marked the Falcons’ first road shutout in a decade and gave the Panthers their first win of the season, improving their record to 1-2.
Head Coach Raheem Morris acknowledged that the Falcons were outplayed in every phase of the game. The Falcons struggled offensively, failing to reach the red zone and managing only 109 more offensive yards than the Panthers. Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell was ruled out due to a hamstring injury and is now considered “week-to-week.” Additionally, three other players were inactive for the game: wide receiver Casey Washington (concussion), return man Jamal Agnew (groin), and offensive lineman Jack Nelson.
Michael Penix Jr. took on the quarterback role for the Falcons, completing 18 out of 36 passes for 172 yards but throwing two interceptions. Penix was benched in the fourth quarter with the Falcons trailing 27-0, and Kirk Cousins stepped in as the replacement.
On the other side, the Panthers displayed a strong offensive effort led by quarterback Bryce Young, who played mistake-free football by completing 16 of 24 passes for 121 yards and rushing for one touchdown. Young initiated the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown run during the Panthers’ opening possession. Panthers kicker Ryan Fitzgerald further contributed to the score with a 57-yard field goal, which ties for the second-longest in franchise history.
The Panthers’ defense shined during the game, effectively limiting Falcons running back Bijan Robinson to just 72 rushing yards. Defensive back Chau Smith-Wade made a significant contribution by returning an interception for a touchdown, highlighting the team’s defensive dominance. The Panthers also recorded three turnovers, marking their first shutout since November 22, 2020.
Following the game, Coach Morris emphasized the importance of better offensive execution for the Falcons in their upcoming games. The Panthers will face the New England Patriots in Week 4, while the Falcons are set to host the Washington Commanders.
Bijan Robinson spoke about the need for the team to use this loss as motivation to come together and improve moving forward. It’s a pivotal moment for the Falcons as they regroup after this tough defeat. The Panthers missed their newly signed players Turk Wharton and Pat Jones due to injuries, highlighting some of the challenges faced by both teams going forward.
Key Game Statistics
- Carolina Panthers: 30 points
- Atlanta Falcons: 0 points
- Panthers Record: 1-2
- Falcons Record: 1-2
- Michael Penix Jr.: 18 completions, 36 attempts, 172 yards, 2 interceptions
- Bryce Young: 16 completions, 24 attempts, 121 yards, 1 rushing touchdown
- Bijan Robinson: 72 rushing yards
- Turnovers: Panthers 3, Falcons 0
- Panthers Shutout: First since November 22, 2020
Next Games
- Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots
- Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of the game between the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons?
The Carolina Panthers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 30-0.
How did this game impact the Panthers’ season record?
This was the Panthers’ first win of the season, improving their record to 1-2.
What were the key player injuries for the Falcons during the game?
Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell was ruled out due to a hamstring injury; he is considered “week-to-week.” Other inactive players included wide receiver Casey Washington (concussion), return man Jamal Agnew (groin), and offensive lineman Jack Nelson.
How did Bryce Young perform during the game?
Bryce Young played mistake-free football, completing 16 of 24 passes for 121 yards and rushing for one touchdown.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Carolina Panthers | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 30 | 0 |
| Record | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Quarterback Performance | Bryce Young: 16/24, 121 yards, 1 TD | Michael Penix Jr.: 18/36, 172 yards, 2 INT |
| Key Injuries | Turk Wharton, Pat Jones | A.J. Terrell, Casey Washington, Jamal Agnew, Jack Nelson |
| Turnovers | 3 | 0 |
| Next Opponent | New England Patriots | Washington Commanders |
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Panthers vs. Falcons Recap
- Wikipedia: Carolina Panthers
- Panthers.com: Rapid Reactions to Panthers Victory
- Google Search: Atlanta Falcons
- The New York Times: Falcons vs. Panthers Takeaways
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris on the Game
- Google News: NFL News
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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