ATLANTA – In their biggest game of the season, the Panthers played their best game of the season.
Carolina thoroughly dominated the Atlanta Falcons to earn a 34-3 victory in Sunday's winner-takes-the-division matchup at the Georgia Dome. The offense got off to a fast start, scoring 10 points on the first two possessions, and the defense, which pressured Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan relentlessly, sacking him six times, scored two touchdowns.
"I'm very proud of this football team first and foremost in spite of all the things we have dealt with this year," head coach Ron Rivera said. "The adversity we have faced as a football team, the resilience of this football team with the men in that locker room was on display today."
With their fourth consecutive victory, the Panthers are now the first franchise to claim consecutive NFC South titles. Just like last year, they won the division in Week 17 in Atlanta, with hordes of Panthers fan there to celebrate as they trotted off the field.
"It means a lot to this franchise," Rivera said. "That's something for us to build on as we go forward as a football team."
The Panthers jumped ahead early and never looked back.
After a 12-play, 77-yard game-opening drive yielded a 21-yard Graham Gano field goal, Carolina found the end zone on the next series.
Quarterback Cam Newton's 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Ed Dickson capped a 10-play, 87-yard drive late in the first quarter.
"It was a check play – run to pass," Dickson said. "Cam did a good job of checking into the pass, and I caught it and stumbled in."
It appeared Atlanta was intent on staying within striking distance. Wide receiver Devin Hester returned the ensuing kickoff 66 yards and would have scored if not for a desperation tackle by Joe Webb.
The Falcons advanced to the Panthers' 3-yard line. On second-and-goal, fullback Patrick DiMarco dropped a wide-open would-be touchdown. Ryan's third-down pass for wide receiver Roddy White fell incomplete, forcing Atlanta to settle for a 21-yard Matt Bryant field goal early in the second quarter. It proved to be their only points.
"It was all about starting fast," linebacker Thomas Davis said. "It was something we harped on. We had to start fast in this dome. You can't let that team get momentum here. That's when they really hurt you."
From there on, the Panthers defense took complete control. They made Atlanta one-dimensional, and the pass-rush consistently affected Ryan in the pocket.
"It felt like we were disrupting him every time," defensive end Mario Addison said. "We dominated the game."
With 4:32 remaining in the second quarter, safety Roman Harper intercepted Ryan's overthrown pass for White and returned it 31 yards down the sideline for a touchdown.
"Our defensive line got good pressure," Harper said. "I saw the receiver start to break, and then I looked up and it was a wobbly ball. I was able to catch it, and then I got some great blocking. It was a thing of beauty. That was complete team defense."
Four plays into Atlanta's next drive, White caught a 20-yard pass over the middle, but rookie linebacker Adarius Glanton stripped the ball. Davis' scoop and return set up Carolina's offense up with first-and-goal at the 4-yard line.
"With the defense playing lights out like they did today and creating turnovers, it makes our job easier," Newton said.
Newton promptly rushed up the middle for the 4-yard score, giving the Panthers a 24-3 lead at halftime.
After Carolina extended the lead with a 48-yard Gano field goal, the game was put on ice thanks to another defensive touchdown in the final seconds of the third quarter.
On fourth-and-five from the Carolina 36-yard line, Ryan lofted a pass for wide receiver Harry Douglas that rookie safety Tre Boston read the whole way. Boston picked it off for his first career interception and followed a wave of blockers 84 yards for a touchdown.
"Once I got past (wide receiver) Julio (Jones) I was like, 'I'm cribbing this,'" Boston said.
The fourth quarter was a prolonged celebration for Carolina and its fans, who made their voices heard as the Panthers (7-8-1) clinched their spot in the postseason.
The Panthers (7-8-1) will play the Arizona Cardinals (11-5) in an NFC Wildcard Playoff at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday at 4:35.
"They deserve this," Rivera said. "We didn't quit. We played hard all the way through and that's why I'm really proud."
Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) makes the catch against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert McClain (27) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs into Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert McClain (27) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs out of the pocket as Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Joplo Bartu (59) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson )
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert McClain (27) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs out of the pocket as Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Paul Worrilow (55) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) is hit by Carolina Panthers cornerback Bene' Benwikere (25) Carolina Panthers defensive back Colin Jones (42) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Philly Brown (16) moves the ball as Carolina Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert (35) blocks against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) passes the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. An injury is seen on his left arm. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs past Atlanta Falcons strong safety Kemal Ishmael (36) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Carolina Panthers tight end Ed Dickson (84) falls into the end zone for a touch down against Atlanta Falcons strong safety Kemal Ishmael (36)during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Carolina Panthers tight end Ed Dickson (84) celebrates his touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Adarius Glanton (57) tries to stop Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Devin Hester (17) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Dwan Edwards (92) tries to stop Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) misses the ball as Carolina Panthers strong safety Roman Harper (41) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brenton Bersin (11) misses a thrown ball as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera speaks with official wayne Mackie during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy (94) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy (94) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) runs the ball after a fumble from Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) moves into the end zone for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs against Carolina Panthers strong safety Roman Harper (41) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson )
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) heads to the turf after leaving the pocket against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) is hit by Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Carolina Panthers free safety Tre Boston (33) picks off a thrown ball intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas (83) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. Boston ran the ball back for a touchdown. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Carolina Panthers free safety Tre Boston (33) runs back a intercepted ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. Boston scored on the play. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers free safety Tre Boston (33) flips in the end zone as Carolina Panthers cornerback Bene' Benwikere (25) looks on against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. Boston scored a touchdown after intercepting the ball. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) runs against Carolina Panthers cornerback Bene' Benwikere (25) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) is hit by Carolina Panthers cornerback Bene' Benwikere (25) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson )
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) misses a ball as Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) looks on during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Carolina Panthers fans cheer during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Javier Arenas (28) sits on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. The Carolina Panthers won 34-3. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws items into the stands after the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. The Carolina Panthers won 34-3. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, left, speaks with Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith after the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. The Carolina Panthers won 34-3. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera speaks at a news conference after the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. The Carolina Panthers won 34-3. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
