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.