Week 2: Panthers Visit Falcons With Atlanta's Quarterback Still Unsettled
The Carolina Panthers visit the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, September 20, in the first NFC South game for both 0-1 teams. Atlanta had no update Monday on Tua Tagovailoa's oblique strain or Michael Penix Jr.'s readiness, leaving Cooper Rush, who threw two interceptions including a pick-six in the 20-13 loss at Pittsburgh, as the likely starter again. Carolina allowed 59 points and 533 yards to Chicago in the highest-scoring opener in league history, though Bryce Young threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns and the Panthers swept Atlanta last season.
Who plays quarterback for Atlanta
Kevin Stefanski said practice on Wednesday would tell him more. Rush's Week 1 was the least efficient of any starter by adjusted EPA; Penix has been targeted for Week 2 or 3 by reporting.
Carolina's defense after 59
Chicago ran for 291 yards and six touchdowns. Atlanta's Bijan Robinson is the next test for a run defense already missing Nic Scourton for the season.
Young's production is real
Three passing touchdowns and a rushing score against Chicago; the three turnovers, one a muffed punt, were what buried Carolina.
AI Prediction
Panthers 
Falcons Atlanta's quarterback situation is the weakest in the league this week
Rush or a rusty Penix against a Carolina defense that, for all its Week 1 problems, faces a far less explosive offense than Chicago's.
Young outplayed his opposite number in Week 1 by a wide margin
Carolina's passing game produced 361 yards; Atlanta's produced 143.
Carolina's defense could give this away
Robinson behind Atlanta's line against a front that allowed 7.5 yards per carry is the reason this stays a coin flip.
A slight road lean driven by Atlanta's quarterback uncertainty. If Penix is named the starter and looks close to full speed, the pick flips.
Falcons Leaders
Panthers Leaders
Team Stats
| Panthers | Stat | Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| 37.0 | Points Per Game | 13.0 |
| 486.0 | Total Yards | 263.0 |
| 361.0 | Yards Passing | 143.0 |
| 125.0 | Yards Rushing | 120.0 |
| 59.0 | Points Allowed Per Game | 20.0 |
| 560.0 | Yards Allowed | 279.0 |
| 269.0 | Pass Yards Allowed | 221.0 |
| 291.0 | Rush Yards Allowed | 58.0 |
Venue
Closing Line
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Falcons Injuries