The Falcons’ first possession Sunday against the Panthers was propelled by an unnecessary roughness penalty by Panthers’ cornerback Charles Tillman.

Tillman and Falcons’ wide receiver Roddy White got into a scuffle after the Falcons failed to convert a third-down on the Falcons’ 15-yard line.

A 15-yard penalty and automatic first-down brought the Falcons (7-7) to their own 30-yard line and paved the way for the Falcons’ first points of the game off a four-yard touchdown run by running back Devonta Freeman.

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Falcons owner Arthur Blank speaks with media at the NFL annual meeting at the Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Fla., April 1, 2025. (AJC photo by Ken Sugiura)

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