Falcons Ripped by NFL Fans as Loss to Bryce Young, Panthers Ends Playoff Bid

Zach BacharContributor IJanuary 5, 2025

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 05: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

For the seventh consecutive season, the Atlanta Falcons have missed the playoffs.

The Falcons had a chance to compete for a division title entering Sunday's action, but a 44-38 loss to the Carolina Panthers put an end to their postseason hopes.

Atlanta scored a game-tying touchdown with just under one minute left in the fourth quarter, although Carolina's offense marched down the field in overtime before Panthers running back Miles Sanders ended the contest with a one-yard score.

NFL @NFL
Panthers win in OT in Atlanta! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CARvsATL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CARvsATL</a> <a href="https://t.co/s28n1XMq2o">pic.twitter.com/s28n1XMq2o</a>

A win by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the New Orleans Saints prevented the Falcons from being able to potentially clinch a playoff berth, but it was still a disappointing performance with their season on the line.

Michael Penix Jr. showed promise in his third career start, finishing 21-of-38 for 312 yards and two touchdowns to go along with an interception. He also added a third score on the ground.

NFL @NFL
PENIX TO LONDON TD ON 3RD AND 20. 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CARvsATL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CARvsATL</a> on CBS/Paramount+ 📱: <a href="https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG">https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG</a> <a href="https://t.co/QcdD0RfsOC">pic.twitter.com/QcdD0RfsOC</a>

Atlanta's defense looked sluggish throughout the contest, allowing Carolina to record its first 40-point game since Week 9 of the 2018 season. The Panthers' offense racked up 425 total yards on Sunday, averaging 6.5 yards per play.

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Fans called out the Falcons for their poor performance with a chance to compete for a postseason spot.

Brad Rowland @BTRowland
me during a must-win falcons game: <a href="https://t.co/fwTr53XbYy">pic.twitter.com/fwTr53XbYy</a>

Mike Conti @MikeConti929
On November 3, the Falcons were 6-3, 4-0 in the division. All they needed was a 4-4 finish to make the playoffs.

SportsTalkATL.com @SportsTalkATL
It's hard to describe the Falcons defense performance as anything other than embarrassing

Marcus Mosher @Marcus_Mosher
5 TDs for Bryce Young today. Raheem Morris' defense has no chance today.

The Hood Therapist @OhhMar24
The Falcons lost EVERY must win game this season. They honestly don't deserve to be nowhere near the playoffs and this is coming from a fan

steakshapiro @steakshapiro
Panthers had 4 wins this year. Falcons were playing for the playoffs. As 7 point favorites Falcons gave up 43 points. Bryce Young has never ever had a game like this in the pros. Out of the playoffs for 7th year straight. This is not OK. I

Rusty Mansell @RustyMansell_
Falcons got a QB.. Love what I see out of him BUT they got a long way to go before they ever win a playoff game much less play in one.. Just frustrating to watch this team year after year.

Will Ragatz @WillRagatz
The Falcons gave Kirk Cousins $100 million guaranteed, watched him have his worst season as a starter, and then missed the playoffs in part because they didn't bench him quickly enough. Penix looks quite promising but still, oof

For the Panthers, Bryce Young ended his sophomore season on a high note. Young finished 25-of-34 for 251 yards, scoring five total touchdowns without committing a turnover. He also picked up 24 rush yards on five attempts.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
BRYCE YOUNG 5TH TD OF THE DAY 🤯🔥 HE'S COOKING THE FALCONS DEFENSE. (via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a>)<a href="https://t.co/FaEgNJNJVN">pic.twitter.com/FaEgNJNJVN</a>

After the Falcons finished with identical 7-10 records from 2021-23, they'll end their 2024 campaign at 8-9.

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