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Updated September 20, 2026, 8:09 PM

Tap in for the recap from the Falcons’ loss to Carolina

Atlanta hasn’t won a home opener since beating Panthers in 2023.

Falcons fans cheer after a touchdown by running back Tyler Goodson during the second half of an NFL preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)
Falcons fans cheer after a touchdown by running back Tyler Goodson during the second half of an NFL preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

The Falcons are in first place. Well, that’s one way to spin it.

All four NFC South teams lost in Week 1, so it’s actually true, but the Falcons have a chance to turn things around after their 20-13 loss to the Steelers in the opener.

Cooper Rush is the starting quarterback, at least for now, and that’s the path forward — at least, until Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa can get healthy enough to provide another option.

Here’s some pregame reading to get caught up:

- He quit football and moved home. Six years later, he made Falcons’ roster.

- Sugiura: Falcons stick with Cooper Rush: It won’t be that bad

- Predictions: Falcons will fare better no matter the quarterback

- Cunningham: Why the day-to-day quarterback plan is perilous for Falcons

- Step right up and spin the Falcons QB Wheel of Destiny


AJC
26 days ago
Rod Beard

FINAL: Panthers 34, Falcons 3

Another blowout loss. More questions. 

The Falcons didn't mount much offense, and from the start, they just struggled on offense, with Jack Strand taking over for Cooper Rush, who had a pair of interceptions and a fumble. 

Check out the Take 5 takeaways from the game.


AJC
26 days ago
Rod Beard

Heading for the exits

Many fans have already left the stadium, and the die-hards seem to be those remaining. 

It's been a struggle offensively, and the defense has only been able to do so much, given their extended time on the field. 

It's still a 34-3 lead with about 10 minutes left, and this seems to be a case of running out the clock with Jack Strand reps. 


AJC
26 days ago
Rod Beard

I don't know what to tell you

Jack Strand throws a pick-6, and it's a 34-3 lead for Carolina. 

That's three interceptions for the offense, along with a turnover on downs, a fumble for Rush and just a disaster of a game overall. 

That last interception didn't look to be Strand's fault, but a pick is a pick. 


AJC
26 days ago
Rod Beard

Enter Jack Strand

After Cooper Rush's forgettable game, Jack Strand — the No. 4 QB — is entering the game with 4:27 left in the third quarter. 

Rush has two interceptions and a fumble, along with a turnover on downs, and the Falcons are trailing 27-3. 


AJC
26 days ago
Rod Beard

Jack Strand is in the bullpen

After another interception by Cooper Rush, Jack Strand is up and throwing more vigorously on the sideline. 

That's not a full indicator of anything, because he was throwing before with Rush.

But, now he's taking snaps under center, so there could be some signal that he'll be in the game for the Falcons' next possession. 


AJC
26 days ago
Rod Beard

Panthers 27, Falcons 3

It's looking like a runaway now, with the Panthers adding a touchdown on their opening drive of the second half, extending the lead to 27-3 at the 9:38 mark. 

Bryce Young picked the defense apart, including a nice throw to Tetairoa McMillan for a big first down. 

There's no sign that Jack Strand will come in to relieve Cooper Rush, though the chants and boos continue. 


AJC
26 days ago
Rod Beard

Halftime: Panthers 20, Falcons 3

The offense has been bad, with a couple of turnovers by Cooper Rush, and another turnover on downs. When the Falcons finally were able to move the ball, they couldn't get in the red zone and only had a field goal to show. 

It's not that the Panthers' offense has been that good, either. 

The last drive before halftime to get a touchdown and push it to a 17-point lead was impressive, but prior to that, Bryce Young was only middling. 

There have been the boos for Rush and the "We want Strand!" chants, so that's an indication of how things are going. 


AJC
26 days ago
Rod Beard

This is ... something

Carolina's lead is 20-3 after that touchdown just before halftime. 

The Falcons defense was playing well enough to keep the game close, but that score may be the backbreaker. Atlanta's offense doesn't appear capable of scoring 20 points, so the second half might be an opportunity to see Jack Strand. Cooper Rush has left a lot to be desired in the first half, including a pair of early turnovers, and almost another on the last drive before the field goal. 


AJC
26 days ago
Daniel Flick

Falcons avoid disaster, get on the board

Rush's pass on third-and-4 was nearly intercepted, but it hit the ground, giving the Falcons extra life.

Kicker Nick Folk made a 41-yard field goal from the left hash, trimming the Falcons' deficit to 13-3 with less than two minutes remaining in the first half.


AJC
26 days ago
Daniel Flick

Panthers add to their tally

This feels insurmountable ... but it's only 13-0.

After a strong red-zone stand from the Falcons defense, the Panthers settled for a 25-yard field goal from kicker Ryan Fitzgerald.

The Panthers have 139 yards to the Falcons' 82, and they've collected eight first downs to Atlanta's four.