WATCH: Cordarrelle Patterson Scores TD, Gives Atlanta Falcons Lead vs. Carolina Panthers

Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson found paydirt vs. the Carolina Panthers.

The Atlanta Falcons were in the midst of a rainy, scoreless first half Sunday against the Carolina Panthers - until they finally broke through inside Bank of America Stadium.

Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder began the team's sixth drive of the day with a 56-yard pass to tight end Jonnu Smith, putting Atlanta deep into Carolina territory.

Following a three-yard rush by rookie running back Bijan Robinson, Atlanta was even closer - and veteran weapon Cordarrelle Patterson did the rest.

Patterson came from right to left across the formation and caught a pop pass from Ridder and found himself untouched in the left corner of the endzone, giving Atlanta a 7-0 lead in the second quarter.

Here's a look at the play ...

WHY SO SERIOUS? 🃏#ProBowlVote x @ceeflashpee84
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— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 17, 2023

Weeks ago, Patterson was involved in public controversy about his role.

Most of the dissatisfaction over how Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is utilizing his supposedly dynamic offensive weapons - or, critics would correct, not utilizing them - has focused on first-round draft picks Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts and Drake London.

The critics are not wrong. The dissatisfaction is not misplaced. And Patterson wanted a word.

“Let’s not forget!!!! I really do this (bleep)!!!" wrote Patterson on social media, addressing the post to "Whoever Needs to See This!!"

Dec 17, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) comes off the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Patterson later clarified this wasn't a message to Smith, as the two have a strong relationship - and the latter praised the former's versatility earlier this season.

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“When you have flexibility like that, it allows you to take care of somebody if you need to," Smith said. "He always rallies. He’s a unique football player. That’s why I enjoy coaching him.”