Panthers shock Atlanta Falcons on last-second field goal

Well, it is so laughable it almost feels inconceivable.  The Carolina Panthers won their second game all year, 9-7, over the Atlanta Falcons, playing spoiler to Atlanta's attempt at winning the NFC South division crown.  It was an ugly, rain-soaked snooze fest. But, somehow, Bryce Young and company produced three field goals — enough to […]

Ian Kayanja
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Dec 17, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) with the ball in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feature image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Well, it is so laughable it almost feels inconceivable. 

The Carolina Panthers won their second game all year, 9-7, over the Atlanta Falcons, playing spoiler to Atlanta's attempt at winning the NFC South division crown. 

It was an ugly, rain-soaked snooze fest. But, somehow, Bryce Young and company produced three field goals — enough to win on Sunday afternoon. 

How did Bryce Young play? 

Dec 17, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium.Image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Young was as good as anyone could expect. He threw for 167 yards, completing 18-for-24 passes, and left the game with a 93.6 quarterback rating. 

It was the first game in a few weeks that Young's quarterback play didn't doom the team. 

Finding a way to win came naturally. He avoided ill-timed interceptions, and the rain must have helped since he did not throw the ball nearly as much as he had in the past. 

It all culminated in a 17-play, game-winning drive, where Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro made a 23-yard field goal. 

Panthers' defense stakes its claim!

Dec 17, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith (81) with the ball as Carolina Panthers safety Vonn Bell (24) and linebackers Brian Burns (0) and Frankie Luvu (49) defend in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith (81) with the ball as Carolina Panthers safety Vonn Bell (24) and linebackers Brian Burns (0) and Frankie Luvu (49) defend in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium.Image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Unlike the Panthers, the Falcons had something to play for. With the division crown within reach, Atlanta needed a win. 

And it played like it had no interest in getting one. The Panthers' defense held the Falcons to one touchdown. 

The Panthers' defense forced three fumbles and claimed one interception. Xavier Woods was to thank for that one. And it was all Carolina needed to play spoiler to an Atlanta team on its last legs. 

What does it mean? 

Dec 17, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers interim head coach Chris Tabor walks the sideline during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers interim head coach Chris Tabor walks the sideline during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium.Image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Well, the Panthers have two wins — a consolation prize in a lost season. But more so, Sunday marked Chris Tabor's first win as the Panthers' interim head coach, tying Frank Reich's total in his 11-game tenure. 

Tabor's calling card is one predicated on making football fun again. He certainly did so in Week 15. Consolation prize or not, a win is a win. 

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