Bryce Young Achieves First NFL Shutout Victory

On Sunday, the Carolina Panthers secured their first win of the 2025 NFL season, notably shutting out their division rival, the Atlanta Falcons.

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To get the Panthers in rhythm after a missed field goal, quarterback Bryce Young drove the ball downfield. The play included a 23-yard pass from Young to rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and a 12-yard completion to tight end Tommy Tremble. The drive was capped off by a 4-yard touchdown run by Young, marking his first rushing touchdown this season and seventh in his NFL career.

The Panthers led 7-0 heading into the second quarter. They took a 10-0 lead with 5:24 remaining in the second quarter, as Ryan Fitzgerald kicked a 57-yard field goal to extend the lead before halftime.

After the defense held the Falcons scoreless through two quarters, it wasn't enough to make their defensive presence known. On the second offensive play of the half, Panthers' cornerback Chau Smith-Wade intercepted a pass from quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and returned it 13 yards for a touchdown. Fitzgerald added the extra point, putting the Panthers up 17-0 with 11:40 remaining in the third quarter.

After forcing another turnover on downs, the Panthers extended their lead with a 35-yard field goal from Fitzgerald, going up 20-0 with under four minutes remaining in the third.

The fourth quarter featured two more scores for the Panthers. A few plays after another interception by the Panthers' defense, running back Rico Dowdle scored on a 1-yard touchdown run (27-0). The Falcons offense continued to struggle and eventually made a quarterback change. Kirk Cousins took over at quarterback but also turned the ball over.

The Panthers were able to continue their run with a 41-yard field goal by Fitzgerald. Sealing the victory, the Panthers' defense forced a fumble on the Falcons' final drive, securing a 30-0 shutout.  

This win marked the Panthers' eighth shutout win in franchise history, their most recent being a 20-0 victory over the Detroit Lions on Nov. 22, 2020. Notably, it was the second time the Panthers have shut out the Falcons, with the first instance occurring on Dec.13, 2015, in a 38-0 win.

This game also marked Young's first career shutout victory in the NFL.

Young completed 15 of 23 pass attempts for 117 yards, adding a rushing touchdown without throwing any interceptions. This performance improved his record against the Falcons to 2-1 and helped the Panthers secure their first win of the season, bringing their record to 1-2.