ATLANTA — The Carolina Panthers delivered a statement performance Sunday afternoon, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to earn their first victory of the 2026 season.
Carolina improved to 1-1 and continued its recent success against its NFC South rival, winning its fourth consecutive game against Atlanta — the Panthers’ longest winning streak in the history of the series.
Bryce Young Leads Carolina’s Offense
Quarterback Bryce Young turned in one of the game’s strongest performances, completing 23 of 36 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Young now owns a 5-1 career record against Atlanta.
Veteran tight end Darren Waller caught two touchdown passes, while Chuba Hubbard added another receiving touchdown. Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan led Carolina with five catches for 101 yards, and Xavier Legette provided one of the biggest plays with a 55-yard reception that helped set up a score before halftime.
Carolina entered halftime with a commanding 20-3 advantage and never allowed Atlanta to get back into the game.
Panthers Defense Takes Over
Carolina’s defense produced an impressive turnaround after allowing 59 points against Chicago in Week 1.
The Panthers forced five Atlanta turnovers, beginning with a fumble on the Falcons’ first offensive play. Linebacker Devin Lloyd became one of the stars of the afternoon with two interceptions, including a 16-yard pick-six that extended Carolina’s lead to 34-3.
Atlanta starter Cooper Rush finished with only 86 passing yards while throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble. Rookie Jack Strand replaced him during the third quarter, but his first NFL pass was intercepted by Lloyd and returned for a touchdown.
Carolina Continues to Have Atlanta’s Number
The victory wasn’t just important for Carolina’s record. The Panthers have now scored at least 30 points in four straight victories over the Falcons, and Sunday’s 31-point margin tied for the third-largest road victory in franchise history.
The Panthers have also scored 71 points through their first two games, the highest two-game opening total in franchise history.
After a difficult opening-week loss, Carolina leaves Atlanta with a much different feeling. A productive afternoon from Young, explosive plays through the passing game and a turnover-hungry defense helped the Panthers secure a convincing divisional win and move back to .500.
(Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
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