Panthers vs. Falcons: Cam Newton apologizes for fumble

The native son is now 0-4 versus his hometown team despite another fiery Georgia Dome performance.

Panthers vs. Falcons 2012: Praise for Michael Turner and a defense of Carolina's punts

The Panthers' decision to punt to Atlanta cost them a win on Sunday, but there's an admirable defense for the move.

Falcons vs. Panthers recap: Matty Ice keeps cool, Atlanta wins ugly to stay undefeated

The Falcons didn't play their best brand of football but still came came away with a 30-28 win over the division rival Panthers. Did I mention they are 4-0?

Panthers Vs. Falcons: Mike Smith pleased after passing tough test

Having to come from behind to beat the Carolina Panthers, Falcons coach Mike Smith is pleased with the team's resiliency in the test.

Panthers Vs. Falcons: Matt Ryan sings teammates' praises post-game

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan gives credit to his teammates for a hard-fought 30-28 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Panthers Vs. Falcons Game Recap: Atlanta moves to 4-0 on late comeback

Matt Ryan led a late fourth quarter comeback to beat the Panthers 30-28 and keep Atlanta undefeated.

Panthers Vs. Falcons Score: Atlanta holding on to 24-21 lead at end of 3rd

The Atlanta Falcons are holding onto a 24-21 lead over the Carolina Panthers at the end of the third quarter. After taking a 17-14 lead into the half, Atlanta got on the board first in the second half. Michael Turner hauled in a screen pass from Matt Ryan and rumbled 60 yards for a score and a 24-14 lead for the Falcons.

Carolina and Cam Newton would answer however going on a long 71 yard touchdown drive that took over seven minutes off the clock. Newton carried it in from four-yards out to once again cut the Falcons lead to 24-21.

Matt Ryan has turned another solid day thus far completing 17-26 passes for 229 and three touchdowns with just one interception. Roddy White has seven catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns while Michael Turner has 62 yards rushing and 61 yards receiving including that third quarter score.

Despite Ryan's good day, the Panthers are right there trailing by a field goal as the fourth quarter begins. Cam Newton has been a thorn in the side of Falcons' defensive coordinator Mike Nolan the entire game throwing for 145 yards while rushing for 64 more. Newton has accounted for two of Carolina's three touchdowns on the afternoon.

Panthers Vs. Falcons Score: Roddy White helps Atlanta to 17-14 lead

The Atlanta Falcons are locked up in a good one with the Carolina Panthers and hold a slim 17-14 lead at halftime in what was a very physical first half of football.

After tying the game up late in the first quarter, the Falcons took the lead early in the second thanks to a 41-yard field goal by Matt Bryant. The Panthers would answer however driving 79 yards in seven plays capped off by a 13-yard touchdown by Deangelo Williams to give the Panthers back the lead at 14-10.

Atlanta and Matt Ryan went right back to work though marching 51-yards in eight plays to pay dirt to retake the lead 17-14. The drive was capped off by Roddy White's second touchdown of the game this time a 14-yard strike from Ryan.

Ryan finishes the first half 13-20 for 144 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. White hauled in six passes in the first half for 97 yards and two scores. Michael Turner found running room early and has 10 carries for 61 yards.

Cam Newton has been a dual threat in the game completing 9-13 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. Newton also has 40 yards rushing on three carries. Williams has 36 yards rushing and a touchdown at the half. Greg Olsen caught four passes for 37 yards and a first quarter score to lead the Panthers. Steve Smith has two catches for 35 yards but fumbled an end-around at the end of the first quarter that helped set up Bryant's field goal.

Panthers Vs. Falcons Score: Atlanta, Carolina tied 7-7 at end of 1st quarter

The Atlanta Falcons fell behind for the first time this season but a long touchdown pass to Roddy White has the scored tied 7-7 entering the second quarter.

The Falcons received the opening kickoff but went nowhere as a Charles Johnson sack of Matt Ryan capped off a three-and-out for the Falcons. Cam Newton and the Panthers then went to work marching 53 yards in five plays to take a 7-0 lead. Newton connected with Greg Olson for 17 yards for the score and also had a 32 yard rush on the drive.

Atlanta found a rhythm on their next possession marching down the field with a nice mix of runs and play action passes. It looked like the Falcons had tied things up when Matt Ryan found tight end Tommy Gallarda in the endzone for an apparent touchdown. The play however was nullified after it was ruled that Gallarda pushed off on the play. Three plays later, Ryan was intercepted by Haruki Nakamura to end the drive.

The Falcons defense stopped Newton and the Panthers on their next drive. Ryan went right to work finding White on a 49-yard touchdown pass set up by two solid runs from Michael Turner.

Atlanta continued to swing the momentum when on the next Panther's possession Dunta Robinson stripped Steve Smith on an end-around to set the Falcons up with great field position once again.

After somewhat of a slow start, Ryan finishes the quarter 6-10 for 100 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Michael Turner has been effective in the early going running for 56 yards on just seven carries. White has three catches for 75 yards and a score.

Cam Newton completed 4-6 for 33 yards and a touchdown and also has 32 yards rushing. Greg Olsen caught three passes for 32 yards in the first quarter.

Panthers vs. Falcons inactives: Lousaka Polite won't go for Atlanta

The inactive lists for today's Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers game includes Falcons fullback Lousaka Polite, which allows Jason Snelling to step in for the start.

Polite and running back Antone Smith are both out with hamstring injuries, making the Falcons thin in the backfield. Cornerback Chris Owens is inactive with a head injury.

Here is a look at the Falcons' inactive list:

QB Dominque Davis

T Lamar Holmes

CB Chris Owens

TE Michael Palmer

FB Lousaka Polite

RB Antone Smith

For the Panthers, two offensive linemen are on the inactive list: guard Mike Pollak and tackle Bruce Campbell.

Panthers' inactives: Joe Adams, Clausen, D.J. Campbell, Mike Pollak, Antwan Applewhite, Bruce Campbell, Frank Kearse.

- Joe Person (@josephperson) September 30, 2012

The Falcons are looking to go 4-0 and remain as one of the few unbeaten teams in the NFL. Going into Sunday's game, only the Falcons, Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals have gone without a loss.

Carolina is coming off a disappointing defeat at the hands of the New York Giants last Thursday.

This story originally appeared on SBNation.com.

Falcons vs. Panthers: Atlanta to wear throwback uniforms

The Atlanta Falcons will be in their throwback unis against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Falcons vs. Panthers preview: Cammy Cam comes to town (and so do real referees)

The undefeated Falcons will face the struggling division rival Panthers at home in the team's 2012 NFC South opener, and non-replacement officials will be on the field. But is Cam Newton the man Atlanta should really worry about?

Panthers vs. Falcons: Game time, TV schedule, injury updates and more

The Falcons look to keep their hot start to 2012 going against the Carolina Panthers.

Roddy White's opinion means little to Victor Cruz

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz has responded negatively to Roddy White's assessment that Cruz was a slot receiver

Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud channels his inner "Super Trooper" in SportsCenter interview

Atlanta's playmaking safety plays the "meow" game during a brief appearance on an edition of ESPN's SportsCenter this week

Panthers Vs. Falcons Injury Report: Jonathan Stewart, Chris Gamble return to full practice

The Carolina Panthers received good news about running back Jonathan Stewart as he was a full participant in practice Friday after being limited the past two days as they prepare for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Stewart was one of seven players listed on the injury chart that was able to fully participate in practice Friday, including defensive starters Greg Hardy (hand) and Chris Gamble (shoulder). Stewart, Gamble, defensive end Thomas Keiser (tibia), safety Colin Jones (shoulder), and offensive tackle Byron Bell (ankle) have been listed as probable for Sunday's game.

Starting linebacker Jon Beason was a limited participant during practice Friday after missing the last two days of practice with a knee injury. Beason is listed as questionable for Sunday's game along with Hardy and linebacker Thomas Davis (calf).

Defensive end Antwan Applewhite is listed as doubtful with a knee injury after missing his third consecutive practice Friday. Offensive guard Mike Pollak is out for Sunday's game with a shoulder injury.

Panthers Vs. Falcons Injury Report: Julio Jones returns to full practice Friday

The Atlanta Falcons received some good news Friday, as three starters returned to full practice in preparation of their Week 4 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

Wide receiver Julio Jones (hand), linebacker Stephen Nicholas (thigh) and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (groin) were full participants at practice Friday after being limited in practice the past two days.

Starting offensive tackle Tyson Clabo was also a full participant in practice for the second day in a row on Friday after being limited with a hip injury earlier in the week. All four players have been listed as probable for Sundays game.

Linebacker Mike Petersen (ribs) has been listed as questionable with after being listed as a limited participant in practice for the third day in a row.

Four players misssed their third consecutive day of practice and will be out for Sunday's game against Carolina. They are running backs Antone Smith (hamstring) and Lousaka Polite (hamstring), tight end Michael Palmer (shoulder), and cornerback Chris Owens (head).

Panthers Vs. Falcons: Sam Baker turns corner as LT

Atlanta Falcons left tackle Sam Baker has been pedestrian at times in his four-year career, but not so much in 2012.

Panthers Vs. Falcons: Tony Gonzalez glad referees are back

Tony Gonzalez is happy referees are back and is ready for Caroilna on Sunday.

Tony Gonzalez closing in on touchdown milestone

Tony Gonzalez is two touchdown catches shy of 100 for his career.

Panthers vs. Falcons: Mike Smith expects great crowd on Sunday

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith is expecting the Georgia Dome crowd to give a good atmosphere as the Falcons play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Panthers Vs. Falcons: William Moore, Thomas DeCoud leading the defense

Atlanta's safety tandem is playing as well as any unit in the NFL.

Panthers vs. Falcons Injury Report: Carolina's Stewart still limited by toe

After being inactive for last week's Thursday night game, Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart continues to be limited in practice by a toe injury that has kept him out of action since the Panthers' Sept. 16 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

Stewart was among a handful of Panthers limited in Thursday's practice as Carolina readies for the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Defensive end Greg Hardy, after not participating in Wednesday's sessions, returned in a limited fashion to practice on Thursday as he continues to deal with a hand injury.

Tackle Byron Bell also returned to full participation on Thursday after dealing with an ankle injury that had limited him earlier in the week.

Linebacker Jon Beason missed his second straight day of practice and could be out for Sunday, though the team has yet to make a decision on his availability. Guard Mike Pollak did not participate in practice for a second straight day.

Panthers vs. Falcons injury report: Babineaux, Jones limited in practice Thursday

As the Atlanta Falcons prepare for their Sunday showdown with the Carolina Panthers, a few key performers were limited by injury in Thursday's practice.

Among the more significant concerns include wide receiver Julio Jones, who was limited for a second straight day while dealing with a hand injury. Jones injured his hand against the San Diego Chargers last weekend, but returned to action later in the same game.

Tackle Tyson Clabo returned to full practice on Thursday after being limited by a hip injury during Wednesday's session.

Eighth-year defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux was also limited for a second straight day in practice while trying to recover from a groin injury.

Cornerback Chris Owens remains sidelined while continuing to deal with a head injury sustained against the Denver Broncos. Tight end Michael Palmer was inactive for a second straight day of Falcons practice, and has already been declared out for the Falcons' meeting with the Chargers.

Panthers vs. Falcons: Matt Ryan's offense has started fast but finished slow

The Atlanta Falcons have scored a touchdown on all three of their opening drives so far, but have found the fourth quarter a little slow.

Panthers Vs Falcons: Ron Rivera sees weakness in Atlanta secondary

Carolina head coach Ron Rivera sees the play of safeties Thomas DeCoud and William Moore as a potential weakness to be exploited.

Panthers vs. Falcons injury report: Carolina RB Jonathan Stewart limited with toe injury

The Carolina Panthers had 10 players listed on their injury report for Wednesday's practice, and three of those were starters, plus running back Jonathan Stewart. Stewart was limited on Wednesday due to a toe injury, the same one that kept him out of last Thursday's game against the New York Giants. However, a report from Associated Press reporter Steve Reed says that Stewart will be good to go against the Atlanta Falcons.

There also were three defensive starters who were limited or out in Wednesday's practice. Defensive end Greg Hardy sat out of practice with a hand injury, as did linebacker Jon Beason who is being hampered by a knee injury. Starting cornerback Chris Gamble has shoulder issues, but he was able to practice on a limited basis.

Panthers vs. Falcons injury report: Atlanta has 4 starters limited at Wednesday's practice

The first injury report of the week is out and the Atlanta Falcons have four starters who were limited during Wednesday's practice. The starters who were limited were wide receiver Julio Jones (hand), right tackle Tyson Clabo (hip), defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (groin) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (thigh).

Defensive back Chris Owens missed another practice with the concussion he suffered against the Denver Broncos back on Sept. 16.

One player is already ruled out for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, and that is backup tight end Michael Palmer.

Week 4 NFL picks and predictions: Panthers vs. Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are being picked overwhelmingly by the experts to defeat the Carolina Panthers.

What can the Falcons learn from Josh Vaughan?

The Atlanta Falcons have added RB Josh Vaughan to their practice squad. Inconsequential, until you realize the knowledge he has.

NFL Power Rankings: Falcons top SB Nation rankings

The Atlanta Falcons are ranked by SB Nation as the top NFL team through Week 3.

Marlin Jackson, Syd'quan Thompson work out for Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons worked out Marlin Jackson and Syd'quan Thompson, defensive backs who have seen limited action in the NFL.

Panthers vs. Falcons: Mike Smith reviews San Diego win, talks Carolina

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith gave his Monday press conference, discussing the team's 27-3 win over the San Diego Chargers as well as the upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers. In addressing injuries, Smith said that Julio Jones was simply dealing with a laceration, but Michael Palmer was out for the week with a shoulder injury.

Smith credited the San Diego win to starting fast and not letting up, which in turn he credited to Matt Ryan's maturity and better sense of pocket awareness. In discussing the defense he credited their confidence multiple times and praised their ability to create turnovers.

Smith was diplomatic when addressing the issue of replacement referees:

"It's not any different than when you had the full-time officials, not the replacement officials. It's a fine line. They have a job to do and we have a job to do as well. I think for the most part, our coaching staff does a very good job of letting the officials do the officiating and we do the coaching. Maybe there have been a couple of times over the last four years that I've done some things that my mother is not real happy to see on the sideline (smiling). You have to let those guys do their job. They have a job to do, just like we have a job to do. They're going to make mistakes, and we're going to make mistakes. I made a bunch of mistakes yesterday, just like some of our players out there on the field."

In terms of looking forward, Smith stressed the need to stay sharp and to focus on getting better as well as developing a plan to stifle Cam Newton and the option offense used by Carolina.

The full transcript for the press conference is available at the official Falcons website.

Panthers vs. Falcons: TE Michael Palmer out with injured shoulder

Atlanta Falcons tight end Michael Palmer will miss Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers with an unspecified shoulder injury, according to head coach Mike Smith.

Palmer suffered the injury during Sunday's 27-3 victory against the San Diego Chargers. At the time of the injury he had one catch for one yard. On the season, Palmer has two catches for seven yards.

The tight end likely to take Palmer's place behind starting tight end Tony Gonzalez is Tommy Gallarda. If the Falcons decide to add another tight end to the roster they could sign Chase Coffman off of the practice squad.

The Falcons host the Panthers Sunday at the Georgia Dome with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. The game will be televised on Fox.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Atlanta. For more in-depth coverage of this game, visit Falcons blog The Falcoholic. And for more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

John Abraham arrested; Falcons issue statement

The Atlanta Falcons are aware that John Abraham was arrested, but won't comment further on the matter.

Panthers Vs. Falcons Odds: Atlanta Opens As Seven-Point Favorite

The Atlanta Falcons opened as seven-point favorites for their upcoming home game against the Carolina Panthers, but that line has moved around a bit. There is no real consensus on the game, and the Falcons are favored by as as much as nine points at various sportsbooks.

Atlanta enters the game with a sparkling 3-0 record. The Falcons are coming off a 27-3 win over the San Diego Chargers. Over the first three weeks of the season, Atlanta has averaged a 31-16 victory. The Falcons scoring offense ranks third in the NFL, and the scoring defense ranks fourth.

Carolina is 1-2 this season. In the Panthers' last game, they suffered a Thursday night beat-down at the hands of the New York Giants. Quarterback Cam Newton had a rough day at the office, completing 16 of 30 passes for 242 yards and three interceptions. The Panthers turned the ball over five times in the game.

For more Falcons coverage, visit The Falcoholic.

NFC South Standings: Falcons Grab Hold Of 1st Place

Atlanta is one of three remaining undefeated teams in the NFL, but the Falcons' fellow NFC South members haven't been nearly so good. Tampa Bay and Carolina have both stumbled to 1-2 starts, while the New Orleans Saints are still winless.

Related: Three Wins, 27 Points And One Awesome Team: A Falcons-Chargers Recap

With surprisingly little competition from the Saints at this stage of the season, the Falcons are looking like the team to beat in the division, and they can further their cause with a win over the Panthers in Week 4.

Here are the current NFC South standings:

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Atlanta. For more in-depth coverage of this game, visit Falcons blog The Falcoholic. And for more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Atlanta Falcons 'D-Block:' Peter Konz Bought Dairy Cows With His Signing Bonus, For Grandmother

Panthers Vs. Falcons Preview: Atlanta Goes For 4-0 Start

The Falcons host the Panthers this week.