ATLANTA — In his previous visit to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Bryce Young commanded the spotlight.
This time, the Carolina Panthers quarterback shared the glory with linebacker Devin Lloyd and the rest of the defense for the visiting team.
Young threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns, including two to tight end Darren Waller, Lloyd returned one of his two interceptions for a score, and the Panthers routed the short-handed Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, 34-3, in the NFC South opener for both teams.
The Panthers (1-1), the division’s reigning champion, earned their fourth straight win in the Interstate 85 rivalry. Young completed 23 of 36 passes as he improved to 5-1 against the Falcons. He set a franchise record with 448 passing yards in a 30-27 overtime win to cap Carolina’s sweep of the Falcons in their 2025 regular-season series.
Carolina’s defense enjoyed a dramatic turnaround one week after setting franchise records for points and rushing touchdowns allowed in a 59-37 loss to the Chicago Bears.