Atlanta Falcons
Falcons Week 2 wrap: Boos and blunders in blowout loss to Panthers
Take a look at the AJC’s content from all the action in the home opener.
Running back Bijan Robinson (right) and other Falcons players sit on the bench during the second half of a blowout against the Panthers on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)
By AJC Sports
55 minutes agoThe Falcons fell to the Panthers 34-3 on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and they didn’t look good doing it. Cooper Rush had a pair of interceptions and a lost fumble, and rookie Jack Strand, the No. 4 option at QB, had a pick-6 and a lost fumble.
One good thing is that it’s a short week, as the Falcons play the Packers on Thursday night at Lambeau Field.
Here’s a look back at Week 2:
Game content
- Game recap: Falcons blown out by Panthers as boobirds fly in home opener
- Cunningham column: Falcons fans deserve better than this
- Sugiura column: Even for Falcons, 34-3 loss to Panthers was unacceptable
- Take 5 takeaways: QB issues continue to haunt Falcons in another loss
- Falcons understand boos in lopsided loss: ‘They shouldn’t be happy’
- Position grades: QBs get an F in a dreary performance
- Photo gallery: Falcons struggled offensively, defense can only do so much
- Live updates: Tap in for the recap from the Falcons’ loss to Carolina
- Falcons bench Cooper Rush, turn to Jack Strand in third quarter vs. Panthers
Pregame content
- Michael Penix Jr. could return vs. Packers, ESPN reports
- Defense playing with ‘something to prove’ vs. Panthers
- He quit football and moved home. Six years later, he made Falcons’ roster.
- Sugiura colum: Falcons stick with Cooper Rush: It won’t be that bad
- Falcons’ late pass-rush renovation has paid instant dividends: ‘A good sign’
- Weekend Predictions: Falcons will fare better no matter the quarterback