By The Associated Press’s Charles Odum
Atlanta The Carolina Panthers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 44-38 on Sunday thanks to three touchdown passes from Bryce Young, two touchdown runs, and a 70-yard drive that was spearheaded by Miles Sanders’ 1-yard touchdown run on the first possession of overtime.
Minutes earlier, Tampa Bay’s comeback victory over New Orleans had already ruined the Falcons’ prospects of making the playoffs.
In his final game as Atlanta’s starting quarterback, rookie Michael Penix Jr. had a solid day, passing for 312 yards and two touchdowns, both to Drake London, who had 10 receptions for a career-high 187 yards. Although Bijan Robinson rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns, the Falcons’ season was not prolonged despite the outstanding offensive display.
For the seventh consecutive season, neither the Panthers (5-12) nor the Falcons (8-9) made it to the postseason.
For the Falcons to win the division, Atlanta needed to defeat Tampa Bay, who led the NFC South, and lose. The Falcons would have won a tiebreaker because they swept their opponents, even though they started the first game behind the Buccaneers.
As the Falcons were preparing to begin overtime, Tampa Bay ended the Saints 27-19.
Young achieved a career record with five touchdowns, including two- and ten-yard scoring runs. He completed 25 of 34 throws for 251 yards, including three scoring passes that tied a career high.
Penix was intercepted once and went 21 of 38.
On Sunday, January 5, 2025, in Atlanta, tight end Feleipe Franks of the Carolina Panthers celebrates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons. (Photo courtesy of Brynn Anderson)AP
When the Saints jumped out to an early lead over the Buccaneers, Falcons supporters roared during the second quarter and again at halftime. However, the Bucs took control of the game and the division while the Panthers gained ground.
The Panthers activated Sanders (ankle) from injured reserve after placing star rusher Chub Hubbard on injured reserve on December 28 due to a strained calf. In his first game since November 10, Sanders made three catches for 50 yards, including a 33-yard score, then ran for 61 yards and the game-winning touchdown.
Late in the third quarter, Young’s 9-yard touchdown pass to David Moore gave the Panthers a 31–24 lead. In response, Penix scored in the fourth with a ball to London that was 21 yards long.
With 4:01 left in regulation, Young’s 10-yard score run gave Carolina the lead once more.
Robinson’s 4-yard run for the game-winning score with 46 seconds remaining capped off 11 plays in which Penix, a rookie making only his third start, guided the Falcons to 70 yards.
Injuries
Panthers: Due to second-quarter injuries, DE A Shawn Robinson (calf) and CB Akayleb Evans (rib) were ruled out. Two starters for the defense were sidelined: LB Josey Jewell (concussion) and Pro Bowl CB Jaycee Horn (hip).
Falcons: WR Darnell Mooney (shoulder) was inactive, resulting in 992 receiving yards. CB Mike Hughes departed the game with a shoulder injury in the second quarter after being evaluated for a head injury and cleared in the first. CB Kevin King (concussion) and LB JD Bertrand (eye) were also out.
In the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, January 5, 2025, in Atlanta, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons sprints for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo courtesy of Mike Stewart)AP
Up next
Panthers: In an attempt to snap a seven-game losing streak, Carolina shifts its attention to offseason personnel decisions and the NFL draft.
Falcons: While deciding what to do with former starter Kirk Cousins, Atlanta will work with Penix to strategize for the upcoming campaign.
https://apnews.com/hub/NFL is the AP NFL.
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