Falcons Legend Speaks Out After Loss to Panthers: “He Was Simply Unstoppable”

Atlanta, GA Week 11 of the NFL delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the season as the Carolina Panthers stunned the Atlanta Falcons 30–27 in overtime. But the biggest surprise came not from the field. It came after the final whistle when Falcons legend Warrick Dunn, now a minority owner of the team, made a rare public statement.

“I’ve seen a lot of wild games in my life,” Dunn said in a team podcast after the game. “But what Bryce Young did tonight? That was different. Honestly, we had some help from the refs, and even that wasn’t enough. He was just… unstoppable.”

Bryce Young to Tetairoa McMillan for the lead with 1:08 remaining.

Bryce has a career-high 394 oassing yards today.pic.twitter.com/0lweXuDdBB

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 16, 2025

⚠️ Controversial Officiating? Fans Cry Foul

The atmosphere at Mercedes Benz Stadium was electric but also chaotic. And not just because of the scoreline. Multiple officiating decisions throughout the game drew heated backlash online with many accusing the refs of leaning toward the Falcons.

📌 1. Missed DPI in Q3

Late in the third quarter, Bryce Young launched a deep ball toward Jalen Coker who was clearly grabbed and hit early by a Falcons cornerback. No flag. Replay showed obvious contact before the ball arrived. Panthers fans exploded on social media with hashtags like #LetThemPlayOrWhat and #BlindRefs.

📌 2. Generous spot on Falcons 3rd and 2 in Q4

Early in the fourth quarter, Bijan Robinson was brought down short of the first down marker, yet officials spotted the ball beyond the line, gifting Atlanta a fresh set of downs. That drive led to a 52 yard field goal, momentarily putting the Falcons up 24–19.

📌 3. Missed false start in overtime

In the opening moments of OT, a Falcons offensive lineman clearly moved early on 2nd and 7 and everyone saw it. Except the referees. No flag. Fortunately for Panthers fans, the defense shut down the drive, but it added more fuel to the fire.

“Are they playing with their own rulebook?” one fan posted on X.

🐾 Still, Not Even the Refs Could Stop Bryce Young

And that’s the part Warrick Dunn made clear.

“I’m not saying the refs did it on purpose but let’s be honest, we caught a few breaks. And even with all of that, we still couldn’t stop him. No one could.”

Let’s talk numbers

• 30 of 44 completions

He took hits including an ankle injury in Q1 but never missed a snap. He threw laser passes under pressure, including:

• a 7 yard TD to Tetairoa McMillan (Q1)

📉 Falcons Had the Help but Couldn’t Execute

Yes, the Falcons had chances. Yes, some calls went their way. But when it mattered most, they couldn't finish. That’s what made Warrick Dunn’s words sting even more.

“We were handed opportunities,” he said. “But when one guy is locked in the way Bryce Young was, there’s nothing you can do.”

🏁 Final Verdict: Panthers Make History and Young Starts Writing His Own

This wasn’t just a win. It was Carolina’s first season sweep over the Falcons since 2013, in enemy territory, under adversity, and through questionable officiating.

Final: Panthers 30 – Falcons 27 (OT)
Bryce Young not just the unofficial MVP of the game, but the nightmare Atlanta never saw coming.

#KeepPounding 🖤💙