Panthers Cruise to Dominant Week 2 Win Over Falcons

The Carolina Panthers bounced back after a rough Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears, dominating the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 with a 34-3 win.

The offense played at a high level for a second straight week as quarterback Bryce Young completed 23 of 36 passes for 283 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan had a quality performance with five receptions for 101 yards, while Jalen Coker added eight receptions for 66 yards.

However, it was neither receiver who found the end zone, as tight end Darren Waller had two touchdown catches and running back Chuba Hubbard added the other one.

The run game wasn't great, as they rushed for 68 yards on 22 carries, but the passing attack and defense did plenty to lead the Panthers to their first win of the 2026 season.

While Carolina went against the third- and fourth-string quarterbacks for the Falcons, Cooper Rush and Jack Strand, it was still a major improvement from a week ago, when the Bears scored 59 points.

The Panthers held Atlanta to 129 yards through the air with zero touchdowns and three interceptions.

Carolina signed linebacker Devin Lloyd to a major three-year, $45 million deal this offseason, and he played at a high level in Week 2, coming away with two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown, as well as nine total tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and three pass deflections.

Bobby Okereke came away with the other interception for the Panthers' defense.

Carolina held all of Atlanta's top weapons in check, with Bijan Robinson limited to 72 yards on the ground and nine through the air. Drake London finished with just 51 yards on four receptions, while tight end Kyle Pitts had one reception for 15 yards.

The Panthers will now look ahead to their Week 3 matchup against the Cleveland Browns and aim to get off to a 2-1 start as they try to repeat as NFC South Champions for the second straight season.