Bryce Young Shatters Franchise Record with 448 Yards as Panthers Edge Falcons in Thrilling OT 30-27
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In a heart-stopping contest, the Carolina Panthers secured a 30-27 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in overtime on Sunday. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young made history by passing for a franchise-record 448 yards, surpassing his previous career high. Young's exceptional performance was instrumental in setting up the winning kick for Carolina, which completed a sweep of its NFC South rival Atlanta. The Falcons, meanwhile, suffered their fifth consecutive loss, including back-to-back overtime defeats. Despite Bijan Robinson's impressive 104-yard and two-touchdown performance, the team couldn't overcome the loss of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to a knee injury in the third quarter. Backup Kirk Cousins struggled to move the offense in overtime. Young's go-ahead 12-yard touchdown pass to Tetairoa McMillan with 1:08 remaining gave the Panthers a 27-24 lead, but the Falcons tied the game with a 45-yard field goal from Zane Gonzalez with 16 seconds left. The Panthers' Ryan Fitzgerald ultimately sealed the win with a 28-yard field goal in overtime. McMillan had a standout game with eight catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Young's performance was made possible in part by Rico Dowdle's 28-yard run, which set up the go-ahead scoring pass. The Panthers also targeted Falcons fill-in cornerback Natrone Brooks frequently, including on Young's 36-yard scoring pass to Xavier Legette in the third quarter. The Falcons' secondary was short-handed due to the absence of cornerbacks Dee Alford and Mike Hughes. Young and the Panthers frequently targeted Brooks, which led to a fumble on the kickoff return, giving the Panthers possession at the Atlanta 32. The Panthers also had an injury scare when Young was sacked by Billy Bowman Jr. in the first quarter, but he eventually returned to the game after being taped up for an ankle injury. Backup Andy Dalton replaced Young for only one snap early in the second quarter. The Panthers will next visit the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, while the Falcons will face the New Orleans Saints next Sunday.
