Panthers Hand Down Disciplinary Bench + Team Fine to Rookie WR After Cryptic Post Following Saints Loss

Atlanta, GA In a high-stakes NFC South showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Carolina Panthers staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 30–27 in overtime, improving to 6–5 and reigniting their playoff chase. This wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. It marked the first time since 2013 that the Panthers have swept the Falcons in a season series. And at the center of this triumph stood Bryce Young, who delivered the best performance of his career with 394 passing yards, leading Carolina back from a 10–21 halftime deficit. 🔥 Game Flow: From the Brink to the Top Q1: Tetairoa McMillan opened the scoring with a 7-yard TD reception from Young Q2: Falcons surged ahead with two rushing TDs from Bijan Robinson and Allgeier, going up 21–10 Q3: Panthers responded with a 36-yard strike to Xavier Legette, followed by a field goal Q4: McMillan struck again with a 12-yard TD grab, followed by a clutch two-point conversion to Jalen Coker to take the 27–24 lead Falcons tied it 27–27 with a 45-yard field goal with just 16 seconds left OT: Carolina’s defense got the stop, then Ryan Fitzgerald drilled a 28-yard game-winning field goal to seal the 30–27 victory 📊 Standout Stats Bryce Young: 30 of 44, 394 yards, 3 TDs (career high) Tetairoa McMillan: 8 receptions, 130 yards, 2 TDs Xavier Legette: 4 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD Ryan Fitzgerald: 3-for-3 on FGs, including the OT game-winner Panthers dominated time of possession with 37 minutes, showing composure under pressure 🛡️ Defense Delivers When It Counts Despite a monster game from Falcons RB Bijan Robinson (143 total yards, 2 TDs), Carolina’s defense held strong when it mattered. A critical sack by Kaden Elliss in the fourth quarter shifted the momentum, and the defense’s OT stop set the table for the game-winning drive. 📢 Postgame Buzz: Bryce Young Praised, Falcons Collapse Deepens Social media lit up after the game with praise for Bryce Young, who orchestrated a 14-point comeback, committed zero turnovers, and outshined Kirk Cousins down the stretch. Meanwhile, Atlanta has now lost five straight, while the Panthers are showing maturity, grit, and playoff-level determination as the season enters its decisive stretch. 🗓️ History on Carolina’s Side — and This Journey Is Far From Over Final: Panthers 30 – Falcons 27A victory defined by heart, resilience, and beliefThis is Keep Pounding — and tonight, it came alive