On the first play of the third quarter, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan tossed a 75-yard touchdown run to rookie wide receiver Calvin Ridley to take a 17-10 lead over the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday.

It was Ridley’s ninth touchdown catch of the season and tied the franchise mark set by tight end Junior Miller in 1980. Ridley did not have a touchdown catch in the previous three games. He last caught a touchdown pass against the Saints on Nov. 22.

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Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker (11) runs a drill as James Pearce Jr. (27) looks during the Atlanta Falcons Rookie Minicamp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Camp, Friday, May 9, 2025, in Flowery Branch. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

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People carrying a giant pride flag participate in the annual Pride Parade in Atlanta on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez