The Panthers’ drive that started in the first quarter ended in a three-and-out, but the Falcons’ offense managed just six plays before turning the ball over. Cousins ​​completed an 8-yard pass to wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III, who fumbled the ball while reaching forward for a first down. Panthers linebacker Trevin Wallace recovered it.

Initially, McCloud was denied after his catch and appeared to be in control of the ball until it hit the turf. However, the Panthers challenged the play. And upon further investigation, the call was turned into a fumble.

Carolina used the turnover to regain the lead. Kicker Eddy Pineiro made a 24-yard field goal after an eight-play, 36-yard drive stalled at the Atlanta 5-yard line. An incomplete pass on third-and-5, forced by good pressure from the Falcons’ pass rushers, set up the fourth down.

The Panthers’ lead did not last long. Robinson scored on a 7-yard run on the next drive, which lasted five plays for 76 yards. Tight end Kyle Pitts’ 52-yard reception covered most of the distance. Panthers cornerback Chau Smith-Wade was penalized for a low block on the scoring play, and the Falcons elected to use that penalty to get to the 1-yard line for a 2-point conversion. Allgeier pushed into the end zone and validated the call.

Carolina punted on the ensuing drive. Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison got a hand on the kick, and cornerback Clark Phillips III returned it 15 yards to the Panthers’ 37-yard line. There was an offensive holding penalty on the play that gave Atlanta another 10 yards, so the Falcons offense was in prime position when it came out.

The Falcons also covered the remaining 27 yards quickly. On the fifth play of the drive, Cousins ​​completed a three-yard pass to wide receiver Drake London in the end zone to extend their lead with less than two minutes until halftime.

That’s all the Panthers needed to score. They strung together an eight-play, 76-yard drive to tighten the score just before the halfway mark. Dalton completed a seven-yard pass to wide receiver Xavier Legette.

The Falcons had a five-point lead going into the locker room.

Panthers: Eddy Pineiro 24-yard field goal … 10-7, CAR

Falcons: Bijan Robinson 7-yard run; 2-point run…15-10, ATL

Falcons: Kirk Cousins ​​3-yard pass to Drake London; PAT good…10/22, ATL

Panthers: Andy Dalton 7-yard pass to Xavier Legette; PAT good…22-17, ATL

HALF TIME: Falcons 22, Panthers 17