The Atlanta Falcons scored the first points of the game, and they ultimately scored enough to earn their second victory of the 2020 season. Atlanta left Carolina with a 25-17 win against the Panthers in the second meeting between the two division rivals.
Interim head coach Raheem Morris wanted to see a game-winning play from his defense, and it was Blidi Wreh-Wilson who came through with the interception late in the fourth quarter to clinch the victory.
An 8-yard touchdown run by Todd Gurley, who leads the NFL in touchdown runs, gave Atlanta a 25-17 lead early in the fourth quarter, a lead that they would not relinquish.
After a couple of impressive tackles by Wreh-Wilson, the Falcons regained possession and took enough time off the clock to stifle any serious chance the Panthers had to mount a comeback. It was a back-and-forth game for much of the contest between Atlanta and Carolina, but the Falcons defense put together a much more impressive performance than it did in the first meeting between these two teams.
Atlanta allowed just 304 yards to Carolina, holding the Panthers to just 2-of-10 on third downs and denying two of their three fourth-down attempts. The Falcons' pass defense was particularly effective, allowing just 157 yards through the air and registering three sacks. Keanu Neal and Deion Jones led the way on defense, earning a combined 13 tackles.
Offensively, the Falcons put together a balanced performance. Gurley and fellow running back Brian Hill shouldered the load on the ground, with some additional help from Matt Ryan on a couple of scrambles, and Julio Jones turned in another huge performance against the Panthers.
The Falcons ended the evening with 401 yards of offense - 131 rushing and 270 passing. Atlanta wasn't particularly efficient on third down or in the red zone, converting just 33 percent of its attempts in both aspects, but the Falcons made the plays when needed. Many of those came courtesy of Jones, who finished with seven catches for 137 yards.
With a Younghoe Koo 36-yard field goal, the Falcons entered halftime with a 16-14 lead. It was Koo's third field goal of the half. He also hit from 20 and 37 yards out, which complemented a 13-yard run from Matt Ryan; the Falcons' only touchdown of the first half.
Carolina scored two touchdowns in the first half, both of them coming from Curtis Samuel. The Panthers wide receiver scored on a 12-yard run and caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from Teddy Bridgewater.
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers with top photos from Week 8.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris with cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris with cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 smiles as he walks off the field after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Qadree Ollison after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21, offensive guard James Carpenter #77, and linebacker Mykal Walker #43 after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 and offensive guard James Carpenter #77 after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris with cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 after the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 with an interception to end the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 intercepts the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 intercepts the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 gestures a thumbs up during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on before the snap to start a play during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 pushes past Carolina Panthers safety Sam Franklin #42 as he runs with ball during the first quarter of the game on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 carries the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 in action during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris looks on in the rain during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 in action during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs with the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 in action against Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Taylor Moton #72 during the second half of the game on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson #33 in action against Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel #10 during the game on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 in action during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is shown during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is shown during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons offense huddle on the field before the start of a play during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 runs with the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 runs with the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after a play during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs with the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 runs with the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after a play during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 in action against Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Thompson #54 on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 hands the ball off to running back Todd Gurley #21 during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after a play during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Charles Harris #92 and defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 look on during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Tyler Hall #44 in action against Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Jeremy Chinn #21 on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of defensive players on the sideline during the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback AJ Terrell #24 in action against Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel #10 on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 looks on after kicking a field goal during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after making a play during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after making a play during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 in action against Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater #5 on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal #22 knocks the ball loose from Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis #28 during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 and linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrate after sacking Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater #5 during the first quarter of the game on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 in action making a catch during the first half of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 tackles Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater #5 during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in action during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates with wide receiver Julio Jones #11 after Ryan runs the ball in for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates with wide receiver Julio Jones #11 after Ryan runs the ball in for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates with offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 after running the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 scores a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes a catch during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after sacking Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater #5 during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 and cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 sack Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater #5 during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 gestures during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 is shown before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7celebrates after making a field goal during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
A fan waves an American flag before the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
A fan waves an American flag before the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 wearing a Rock the Vote shirt before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of an Atlanta Falcons player wearing a Rock the Vote shirt before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of an Atlanta Falcons player wearing a Rock the Vote shirt before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Matt Hennessy #61 walks out of the tunnel onto the field wearing a Rock the Vote t-shirt for warm-ups before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 in a Rock the Vote shirt before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Rise Up & Vote cleats are shown during warm ups before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws a ball during warm-ups before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 shakes hand with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M Blank before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons huddle on the field before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players huddle before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal #22 looks on before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 gestures before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 before the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
