Falcons Offense Struggles in First Half vs. Panthers

The Atlanta Falcons have played the first half of their season opener against the Carolina Panthers, where they are tied at 7-7.

The Atlanta Falcons are through the first two quarters of their season-opener versus the Carolina Panthers inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium and are tied 7-7 as they into the locker room. Defense has been the story early in this game, as offense has been at a premium for both sides.

Following an opening drive for the Falcons, which ended in a three-and-out after quarterback Desmond Ridder's first pass was batted in the air before he caught it himself, the Atlanta defense made its first impact on the Panthers' first drive. 

With Carolina putting together a promising first drive with rookie quarterback Bryce Young as they had driven deep into Falcons' territory, a fourth and one stop on a Chuba Hubbard run got the defense off the field, as they kept the Panthers off the board.

Sep 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) runs after intercepting a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

With the game already looking to be a defensive slugfest, after another punt for Atlanta, the Falcons defense stepped up once more as offseason free-agent signing safety Jessie Bates picked off Young, setting up the first scoring drive as Ridder would find his rookie running back Bijan Robinson in the slot on a bubble screen for the game's first touchdown. 

After successive punts from both teams, the Panthers would answer the Falcons' score with one of their own, as Young led the Carolina offense 75 yards in 12 plays as he found his tight end Hayden Hurst for the game-tying touchdown from four yards out. 

As the Falcons prepare for the second half, getting pressure, whether it is with their front four or by defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen designing pressure with blitzes, will be key to keeping Carolina out of the end zone. On the scoring drive, Young was given ample time to stand in the pocket and decide where to go with the football. 

Offensively, the passing game has been a real disappointment. The Falcons have been one-dimensional, relying heavily on the running game, as Ridder and his receivers haven't been able to create explosive plays through the air.