Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates after a victory over the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

nfl

Bryce Young shines with 5 TDs as Panthers beat Falcons 44-38 in OT, Atlanta misses playoffs

Young’s 5 TDs sink Falcons, end playoff hopes

Bryce Young delivered a standout performance, throwing for three touchdowns, rushing for two more, and leading the Panthers to a thrilling 44-38 overtime win over the Falcons. His career-high five touchdowns capped off an impressive season finale for Carolina, despite missing the playoffs for the seventh straight year.

Young’s 70-yard drive in overtime set up Miles Sanders’ game-winning 1-yard touchdown run. The Panthers (5-12) finished the season with momentum, even as Tampa Bay’s win over New Orleans earlier in the day ended Atlanta’s playoff hopes.

Penix shows promise despite Falcons’ collapse

Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. showcased his potential, throwing for 312 yards and two touchdowns in just his third NFL start. Penix connected with Drake London, who had a career-high 187 yards and two touchdowns on 10 receptions. Despite Penix’s efforts and Bijan Robinson’s 170 rushing yards with two touchdowns, the Falcons (8-9) could not secure a victory.

BRYCE YOUNG HAS 5 TDs.

PANTHERS LEAD FALCONS.

📺: #CARvsATL on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/JUaVUCnPE4
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025

Coach Raheem Morris acknowledged the team’s early promise but expressed frustration after the defensive struggles. “We took a huge step back today,” he said after the Falcons allowed 537 total yards.

Young proves he’s the Panthers’ future

Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 draft, rebounded after being benched earlier in the season. He completed 25 of 34 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns. His late-season form has solidified his role as Carolina’s franchise quarterback.

“Bryce is our quarterback,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said. “I’m so proud of the way he just took the challenge and grew every week.”

Young’s clutch 10-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter gave Carolina a lead, but Atlanta responded with an 11-play, 70-yard drive, tying the game with Robinson’s 4-yard touchdown run with 46 seconds left in regulation.

Sanders returns strong for Carolina

Miles Sanders made a significant impact in his first game since November, rushing for 61 yards and the game-winning touchdown. He also added three receptions for 50 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown catch. His return helped offset the absence of injured running back Chuba Hubbard.

Yesssssir pic.twitter.com/egRN0kUOiF
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 5, 2025

“I’m just happy I could be out there and contribute,” Sanders said.

Defensive struggles and missed opportunities

The Falcons’ defense struggled to contain Carolina, leading to a frustrating conclusion for coach Raheem Morris. “We just were not good enough across the board defensively,” he admitted. The unit allowed several big plays, including Young’s decisive drives in both regulation and overtime.

Worst era in falcons history istg! pic.twitter.com/orS78HYBCO
— Matt Ryan (@pettyMattRyan) January 5, 2025

The Falcons briefly had hope after seeing Tampa Bay trail early, but the Buccaneers’ eventual 27-19 win over the Saints eliminated Atlanta before their game ended.

The Panthers now turn their attention to the offseason and the NFL draft as they aim to break their losing streak. Atlanta will focus on building around Penix while deciding the future of former starter Kirk Cousins.

Bryce Young

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
Got into sports media the same way most people do: by (fortunate) accident. Started with SEO writing, took on a few sports gigs, and now here we are! I cover games, trades, player drama—whatever needs words.
Favorite part? The chaos. One day it’s a blockbuster trade, the next it’s a goat running onto the field. Never boring.
Message to readers: If you want deep analysis, there are people for that. If you want sharp, no-BS writing that actually makes sense, stick around.