Rico Dowdle also rushed for a touchdown and Ryan Fitzgerald kicked three field goals, including a 57-yarder in the first half. Falcons starter Michael Penix Jr. was intercepted twice, finishing 18-for-36 for 172 yards before he was pulled after three quarters. Fitzgerald's 35-yard field goal stretched the lead to 20-0 in the third quarter. Following Mike Jackson's interception and 54-yard return, the Panthers needed to cover only 30 yards to reach the end zone. Fitzgerald kicked a 41-yard field goal with 3:41 left.