(Getty)
Final Score
Panthers 10-14-10-0 — 34
Flacons 0-3-0-0 — 3
Panthers Win NFC South
The Panthers got their seven win, the NFC South title and a home playoff game next week.
Carolina was led by its defense that only gave up three points and scored seven. Atlanta was unable to turn its 288 yards of offense into points.
The Panthers finished the game with 306 total yards with Cam Newton passing for 114 and a touchdown and rushing for 51 and a touchdown.
While the NFC playoff picture is not yet set, the Panthers will be the fourth seed and face the fifth seed in Carolina next week.
Read on for highlights and go here for a full box score.
The Panthers Struck First
The game’s first points came on a 21-yard field goal from Graham Gano on the first drive of the game.
.@GrahamGano hits the 21-yard field goal to give the #Panthers a 3-0 lead over Atlanta with 7:50 left in the first quarter. #CARvsATL
Carolina Added to Its Lead With a Touchdown
Ed Dickson caught a 5-yard pass from Cam Newton for the game’s first touchdown, putting the Panthers up by 10 at the end of the first quarter. The 87-yard drive was Carolina’s longest of the season.
#Panthers scoring drive summary ending with @EdDickson84‘s 5 yard reception. #Panthers 10 #Falcons 0 #CARvsATL http://t.co/TE6HaUUhHJ
The Falcons Got on the Board
Atlanta’s first points came from a 21-yard field goal by Matt Bryant.
Money Matt Bryant nails the 21-yd field goal. #CARvsATL http://t.co/MSPl54Ixls
The Panthers Scored on a Pick Six
Matt Ryan was intercepted by Roman Harper at Atlanta’s 31-yard line. The interception was returned for the touchdown.
Carolina Scored Again
Carolina scored on a six-yard-touchdown run by Cam Newton. The drive started with Roddy White fumbling at Atlanta’s 42-yard line. Thomas Davis recovered it and returned it to the 9-yard line.
#Panthers scoring drive summary ending with @CameronNewton‘s 4-yard touchdown. #Panthers 24, #Falcons 3. #CARvsATL http://t.co/VeuEeiX9BJ
Carolina Dominated the First Half
The Panthers completely dominated the first half with their strong defense. They gave up 128 yards, caused two turnovers and scored a touchdown. If they can keep this up, the sub-.500 team will be well on their way to a NFC South title.
Carolina Scored Another Field Goal
Carolina adds three more points with a 48-yard field goal by Gano.
.@GrahamGano‘s 48-yard field goal is good! #Panthers take a 27-3 lead over Atlanta with 8:43 left in the 3rd quarter. http://t.co/4UYS6wZBIN
Ryan Threw His Second Pick Six
Ryan was intercepted at the Panthers’ 34-yard line by Tre Boston, who returned it for a touchdown.
THERE WE GO! PICK SIX @TreBos10! #CARvsATL http://t.co/7cXWCVhT8f
The Atlanta Flacons (6-9) and Carolina Panthers (6-8-1) will face off in what has become an NFC South Championship game. Despite both teams having sub-.500 records, the winner will make the playoffs and host a wildcard game next week.
Despite a pathetic 1-9 record against teams in the seven other divisions, the Falcons are a perfect 5-0 against NFC South teams this season. The Panthers, on the other hand, are on a three-game win streak.
Keep it here for highlights and score updates throughout the game.
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Panthers vs. Falcons: Score, Stats & Highlights