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.