League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Falcons struggle in 34-3 loss to Panthers in Week 2 matchup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 20, 2026, 10:00 PM

Last updated Sep 20, 2026

Falcons struggle in 34-3 loss to Panthers in Week 2 matchup

Summary

The Atlanta Falcons suffered a 34-3 defeat against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 20. The game began poorly for Atlanta as quarterback Cooper Rush fumbled on the opening play, leading to an early 10-point deficit. Rush was subsequently benched for rookie Jack Strand in the third quarter, whose debut pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. The Falcons are now 0-2 for the season and remain the only NFL team yet to enter the red zone. Head coach Kevin Stefanski apologized to fans after the game, acknowledging the team's disappointing performance.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Falcons fall to 0-2 in the NFL season after loss to Panthers.
•Cooper Rush benched after three turnovers; rookie Jack Strand enters.
•Atlanta has not reached the red zone in two games.
•Head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledges fan disappointment.
•Next game features rookie Michael Penix Jr.'s expected debut.

Latest Updates

11:20 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons news: Bijan Robinson reacts to boos in Panthers loss
10:00 PMYahoo Sports — NFL world reacts to Falcons' 34-3 loss to Carolina Panthers

What they're saying

"
Coach Kevin Stefanski’s Atlanta Falcons were thoroughly embarrassed at home against the Carolina Panthers, 34-3 in a game that led to Cooper Rush’s benching . The Falcons tried to compensate for poor passing in the running game as the well-studied Bijan Robinson ran for 72 yards on 16 carries. Following the tough loss, Robinson was asked for his […] The post Falcons news: Bijan Robinson reacts to boos in Panthers loss appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports