Panthers file uncommon shutout at Falcons’ expense
Sep 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Younger (9) throws a cross through the first half of a recreation towards the Atlanta Falcons at Financial institution of America Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Photographs Carolina cornerback Chau Smith-Wade returned an interception for a landing and the Panthers made a number of massive defensive performs to defeat the visiting Atlanta Falcons 30-0 on Sunday afternoon in Charlotte.
Bryce Younger ran for a landing and threw for 121 yards in Carolina’s house opener. Rico Dowdle additionally rushed for a landing and Ryan Fitzgerald kicked three area objectives, together with a 57-yarder within the first half.
Falcons starter Michael Penix Jr. was intercepted twice, ending 18-for-36 for 172 yards earlier than he was pulled after three quarters. Operating again Bijan Robinson gained 72 yards on 13 carries.
Trailing 27-0, the Falcons (1-2) made a quarterback change by inserting Kirk Cousins rather than Penix. Cousins went 5-for-7 for 29 yards.
It marked Carolina’s first shutout since 2020 vs. the Detroit Lions. Earlier than that, they blanked the Falcons 38-0 in 2015.
Atlanta stalled so usually on offense that even recovering a muffed punt in Carolina territory within the first half did not assist.
Chuba Hubbard rushed for 73 yards for the Panthers (1-2) within the NFC South matchup.
Younger scrambled in from 4 yards out to open the scoring, giving the Panthers a lead for the primary time this season.
The Falcons, who had been denied on their first drive when Parker Romo missed on a 49-yard area purpose try, outgained Carolina 166-141 within the first half and 332-224 for the sport.
Romo, who was in his second recreation with the Falcons after a change following the group’s opener, later missed from 55 yards. He was 5-for-5 final week at Minnesota.
Smith-Wade’s second profession interception resulted in rapid factors on his 11-yard return. Fitzgerald’s 35-yard area purpose stretched the result in 20-0 within the third quarter.
Following Mike Jackson’s interception and 54-yard return, the Panthers wanted to cowl solely 30 yards to achieve the tip zone. Dowdle scored from 1 yard out.
Fitzgerald kicked a 41-yard area purpose with 3:41 left.
Offense was so scarce at occasions that the sport’s main receiver was Atlanta’s Drake London with 55 yards on 5 receptions.
–Subject Stage Media
