Falcons vs. Panthers Notable Stats: Desmond Ridder Joins Dak Prescott in History Books

All of the noteworthy stats and records from the Atlanta Falcons' season-opening victory over the Carolina Panthers.

It's officially victory Monday for the Atlanta Falcons, who kicked off the season with a 24-10 win against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Facing high expectations, the Falcons started slow and trailed 10-7 halfway through the third quarter, but ultimately found their rhythm down the stretch and pulled away to start the year on a high note.

Atlanta now sits at 1-0, its first time being above .500 since the end of the 2017 season, stretching over 2,000 days.

That's perhaps the most interesting statistic stemming from Sunday's contest - but here are several more, courtesy of the Falcons' stats and information department, including the most relevant team and individual accolades ...

Ridder's Record

Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder had an efficient but inept showing, connecting on 15-of-18 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.

Dating back to his four starts to close last season, Ridder is now through five games with no interceptions - he's only the second signal caller (minimum 14 attempts per game) to do so since the AFL/NFL merger in 1970, joining Dallas Cowboys passer Dak Prescott.

Terrific Twos: Allgeier, Bates Set Career Highs

It's arguable that no two players were more critical to Atlanta's victory than running back Tyler Allgeier and safety Jessie Bates III, with the former leading the way on the ground with 15 carries for 75 yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns while the latter made two interceptions and forced a fumble.

Allgeier's two touchdown runs marked a single-game career high and puts him just one shy of his total from last season, during which he set Atlanta's rookie rushing record with 1,035 yards.

Similarly, Bates' two interceptions were the most he's had in a game. He became the first Falcon with multiple picks since cornerback Robert Alford did so against the Panthers in 2016.

He's only the second Falcon since 2000 to have double-digit tackles (10), two interceptions and a forced fumble in one game since Nedu Ndukwe in 2007, and the first since Bobby Butler in 1984 to have multiple interceptions in a season opener.

Robinson's Strong Start

All eyes were on Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, selected No. 8 overall in April while becoming the highest-drafted ballcarrier since Saquon Barkley in 2018.

Robinson's debut in Atlanta lived up to the hype, as he proved his versatility while taking 10 carries for 56 yards and making a team-high six receptions for 27 yards and his first career touchdown.

The 21-year-old became the first Falcons ballcarrier to have a touchdown reception in his first career game since Bubba Bean in 1976 and is only the eighth player in franchise history to catch a touchdown pass on debut.

Matthews' Iron Man Mark Continues

Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews has missed only one career game - Week 2 of his rookie season in 2014 - and ascended up the ranks of Atlanta's consecutive games starts list on Sunday.

Matthews now stands at No. 2 overall with 145 straight starts, one-upping Falcons ring of honor member Todd McClure. The current record-holder is quarterback Matt Ryan at 154.

Defense Holds Up Late

The Falcons allowed a field goal on the Panthers' opening drive to start the second half ... and nothing more over the game's final 30 minutes after heading to the locker room deadlocked in a 7-7 tie.

A key reason for this was improved play on third down; Carolina converted six attempts in the first half but went two-of-eight in the second and, across five such tries, failed to pick up any longer than 3rd and 6.

Individual Extracurriculars

• In his first game back after suffering a torn MCL in Week 11 of last season, Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts had two catches for a team-high 44 yards.
• Among players designated as receivers, Mack Hollins led the way with three grabs for 31 yards.
• Second-year linebacker Troy Andersen had an active game, tying with Bates for the lead in tackles at 10 while adding one tackle for loss and half a sack.
• David Onyemata and Grady Jarrett each had two quarterback hurries from their defensive tackle spots; Onyemata had a tackle for loss while Jarrett combined with Andersen for half a sack.
• Kaden Elliss, another making his Falcons debut, had nine tackles and drew praise for his work from coach Arthur Smith after the game.
• An underrated edge presence on Sunday was outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter, who had a sack, tackle for loss and fumble recovery.
• Former second-round picks Richie Grant and Arnold Ebiketie made noteworthy plays, the former deflecting a pass and delivering a big hit on Panthers receiver Adam Thielen while the latter had a quarterback hurry.

Team Extracurriculars

• The Falcons scored touchdowns on all three of their redzone drives.
• Atlanta was penalized six times for 43 yards, as opposed to Carolina's nine for 66.
• The Falcons held the Panthers to 281 yards on 72 plays, an average of 3.9 yards per play; Atlanta's offense averaged 4.6 yards per play on 48 tries.
• Carolina out-rushed Atlanta 154-130, but the Falcons averaged five yards per carry to the Panthers' 4.8.

The Falcons will look to build on these marks this Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.