Carolina cornerback Chau Smith-Wade returned an interception for a touchdown and the Panthers made several big defensive plays to defeat the visiting Atlanta Falcons 30-0 on Sunday afternoon in Charlotte.

Bryce Young ran for a touchdown and threw for 121 yards in Carolina's home opener. Rico Dowdle also rushed for a touchdown and Ryan Fitzgerald kicked three field goals, including a 57-yarder in the first half.

Falcons starter Michael Penix Jr. was intercepted twice, finishing 18-for-36 for 172 yards before he was pulled after three quarters. Running back Bijan Robinson gained 72 yards on 13 carries.

Trailing 27-0, the Falcons (1-2) made a quarterback change by inserting Kirk Cousins in place of Penix. Cousins went 5-for-7 for 29 yards.

It marked Carolina's first shutout since 2020 vs.

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