The Falconsâ hopes for a fast start were dashed right out of the gate on Sunday.
Quarterback Cooper Rush scrambled on their first offensive play and then lost the ball while being tackled by Panthers linebacker Devin Lloyd. Panthers safety Nick Scott recovered the ball to set the Panthers up on the Atlanta 35-yard-line.
The Panthers picked up a key third down on a pass to Tetairoa McMillan and then scored on a Bryce Young toss to running back Chuba Hubbard in the end zone.
The score put Carolina up 7-0 with 10:48 left to play in the first quarter. Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell needed medical help to get off the field on the Panthersâ scoring drive, which is something to monitor as the game plays out.