Panthers Crush Falcons 34-3 Behind Bryce Young, Dominant Defense

ATLANTA — The Carolina Panthers delivered a statement performance Sunday, bouncing back from a rough season opener with a dominant 34-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Quarterback Bryce Young continued his strong start to the 2026 season, completing 23 of 36 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Tight end Darren Waller caught two of Young’s touchdown passes, while wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan led Carolina with five receptions for 101 yards.

But Carolina’s defense stole the show.

After surrendering 59 points to Chicago in Week 1, the Panthers responded by holding Atlanta to just three points and 286 total yards while forcing five turnovers. Linebacker Devin Lloyd turned in a spectacular performance with nine tackles, one sack and two interceptions. His second interception was returned 16 yards for a touchdown, extending Carolina’s lead to 34-3 in the third quarter.

The Panthers jumped ahead early and never looked back, leading 20-3 at halftime before adding another 14 points in the third quarter. Atlanta struggled to generate offense behind quarterback Cooper Rush, who finished with 86 passing yards and two interceptions before being replaced by rookie Jack Strand.

The victory moves Carolina to 1-1 and gives the Panthers their fourth consecutive win over the Falcons. Young also improved to 5-1 in his career against Atlanta.

After a disastrous defensive showing to open the season, Carolina’s response in Atlanta was emphatic: Young and the offense kept rolling, while the defense looked like an entirely different unit.

The Panthers will remain on the road in Week 3 when they face the Cleveland Browns.