The Falcons won the first season-opener at home since 2015 with a 24-10 win over Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

The Falcons had a big game from Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III, who had two interceptions, a forced fumbled and 10 tackles to pace the defense. His turnovers directly led to 17-0 and helped propel the Falcons to a 1-0 mark. The franchise had not been .500 mark since the end of the 2017 season.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (left) attempts a pass during the second half of an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Atlanta.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com