The Carolina Panthers (6-5) traveled south down I-85 for their Week 11 divisional rematch against the Atlanta Falcons (3-7), facing heavy criticism of quarterback Bryce Young’s struggling pass game.
Facing the NFL’s top-ranked pass defense, the Panthers threw often and secured a 30-27 overtime victory.
Bryce Young delivered his best pro performance: 31 completions on 45 attempts (68.9%) for 448 yards and three touchdowns, with zero turnovers. When Carolina needed him, their QB delivered.
The Panthers Win in Overtime After Big Gain From TE
Tight end Tommy Tremble’s effort after the catch, paired with a precise pass from Young, set up rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald’s 28-yard game-winning field goal.
Get out of his way!
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) November 16, 2025
The Panthers used an empty shotgun formation with Tremble in the slot. He ran a five-yard whip route, creating inside leverage and space against Falcons nickel Billy Bowman Jr.
Young stood patiently in the pocket and worked through his progressions before getting to Tremble and delivering a well-placed throw, leading the pass-catcher into the void.
Brycen Tremayne, active after missing Week 10, made a strong open-field block, helping Tremble break through two defenders and stiff-arm a tackler for a 54-yard gain that put the Panthers in field goal range.
Bryce Young Dials Up the Deep TD to Xavier Legette
After adding a field goal late in the first half, the Panthers started the second half on offense.
Carolina didn’t clam up and play the conservative approach, trailing 10-21 in the third quarter. Instead, they directly answered multiple areas of criticism with one dime of a strike.
From way downtown
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) November 16, 2025
First-and-ten from inside Falcons’ territory, Young and the offense come out in a split-back shotgun formation with Xavier Legette as the X receiver in an isolated one-on-one look.
Young hits the back of a five-step drop and releases a deep anticipatory pass down the sideline for Legette to track after creating separation in his route. Legette runs underneath it to finish with a soft-handed end zone catch.
Legette (60.9 score using PFSN’s WRi metric) has faced a lot of doubters about his catching proficiency and overall usage with the Panthers. Young has been said to be too small and weak-armed to challenge defenses vertically.
Legette had four catches for 83 yards and a touchdown. Their 36-yard TD connection was especially satisfying.
Third Down Stop in the Fourth Quarter Made an Impact
With Atlanta ahead 21-19 late in the third, the Panthers’ defense faced a crucial moment as the Falcons regained possession.
🚫 Denied 🚫
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) November 16, 2025
Atlanta’s offense, now led by Kirk Cousins with Michael Penix Jr. injured, gained a first down on three plays. They looked to build a two-score lead and run the clock.
Cousins completed two short passes, bringing up third-and-one at the Atlanta 42. The Falcons handed off to Bijan Robinson (23 rushes, 104 yards, 2 TD), but Carolina’s defense won at the line.
Defensive tackle Bobby Brown III blew up the interior in tandem with LaBryan Ray. Ray stayed on top of the offensive linemen to actually be involved in the one-yard tackle for loss that ended the play and critical drive.
Linebackers Christian Rozeboom and Claud Cherelus also met Robinson behind the line, delivering a stop-in-your-tracks tackle to seal the deal.