The Panthers' attack that began in the first quarter ended with a three-pointer, 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 also reaching forward for a first down. Panthers linebacker Trevin Wallace recovered it.

Initially, McCloud was sent off after his catch and appeared to have control of the ball until it hit the turf. However, the Panthers challenged the game. And upon closer inspection, the call was turned into a fumble.

Carolina took advantage of 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, led to fourth down.

The Panthers' lead didn't last long. Robinson scored on a 7-yard run on the next drive, which took 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 move to the 1-yard line for a 2-point conversion move. Allgeier pushed his way to the end zone and confirmed the decision.

Carolina stumbled on her ensuing drive. Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison was involved in the punt and cornerback Clark Phillips III returned it 15 yards to the Panthers' 37-yard line. There was an offensive holding penalty that gave Atlanta an additional 10 yards, giving the Falcons offense prime position coming out.

The Falcons also quickly covered the remaining 27 yards. On the fifth play of the drive, Cousins ​​completed a 3-yard pass to wide receiver Drake London in the end zone, extending the lead with less than two minutes before halftime.

That was all the Panthers needed to score. They strung together an eight-play, 76-yard drive to tie the score just before the halftime mark. Dalton completed a 7-yard pass to wide receiver Xavier Legette.

The Falcons had a five-point lead heading 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: 3-yard pass from Kirk Cousins ​​to Drake London; PAT well…22-10, ATL

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

HALFTIME: Falcons 22, Panthers 17