Atlanta Falcons (8-9) – Carolina Panthers (5-12): 38-44 after overtime
Bryce Young (25/34, 251 yards, 3 TDs, 24 yards rushing, 2 TDs) simply played the best game of his career. In a game where the Falcons had no choice but to win, Young and the Panthers took matters into their own hands and managed the game like bosses, offensively at least. Miles Sanders (17 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD, 3 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD) supported Young perfectly. Jalen Coker, Adam Thielen, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Tommy Tremble… The entire offense was involved and the Panthers finished on a high note. All smiles, Bryce Young concludes a… strange season in a good dynamic. Enough to make observers impatient for the next season.
Michael Penix (21/38, 312 yards, 2 TDs, 1 interception, 1 TD on the ground) was not unworthy. Drake London (10 receptions, 187 yards, 2 TDs) and Sesame Robinson (28 carries, 170 yards, 2 TDs) put out a titanic game. But Atlanta finished like its season. Average overall, with a defense incapable of stopping Carolina. Certainly, Tampa Bay won its game and thus made the result for the Falcons meaningless, whatever it was. Despite everything, Atlanta finished on a bad note. A lot of work awaits managers this offseason.
Bryce Young and the Panthers on a good day
The Falcons entered the match quite well. Despite an incursion into the red zone, they must be satisfied with three points. The Panthers do the same a few plays later despite a pair of spectacular plays. Behind Michael Penix and Atlanta fail to convert on fourth attempt. Carolina gets the ball in midfield. Bryce Young doesn’t need to be asked. After a few well-placed throws, it was with his legs that he scored the first touchdown of the game. Bijan Robinson takes things into his own hands then Penix immediately equalizes on the ground.
The Panthers are not letting up. Raheem Blackshear breaks through the defense then Young finds Miles Sanders receiving for a 33-yard touchdown. The match gets carried away, Penix and Robinson continue their momentum and this time it is the running back who enters the goal. After a Carolina punt, Michael Penix found Ray-Ray McCloud for 42 yards and Drake London converted. Atlanta takes the lead just before the break: 27 to 14!
Bryce Young assome les Falcons
From the start, the Raptors defense forces the punt. Unfortunately, McLoud deflects the ball in the air on a hand fault and Mike Jackson takes the opportunity to intercept. Bryce Young takes advantage and concludes with Tommy Tremble. Everything has to be done again for Atlanta. But it’s not an easy thing. Indeed, the opposing defense makes a tackle for loss then a sack and Riley Patterson misses his kick. Young, on a good day, scores again with David Moore.
Penix and London let go, helped by Robinson. The two teams go blow for blow and Drake London receives his second touchdown. Bryce Young continues to disgust the Falcons and scores his second touchdown on the ground. The Falcons play with the energy of desperation and with less than a minute to go, Bijan Robinson keeps Atlanta’s hopes alive and sends everyone into overtime (38-38).
In vain because at the same time, Tampa Bay overcomes the Saints and qualifies, eliminating Atlanta. Bryce Young and Miles Sanders finish the job, the Falcons have lost everything.
