After Week 17’s loss to the Commanders, the Falcons went into Sunday’s Week 18 matchup against the Panthers needing a win and Bucs loss to take the NFC South title. But even though the Buccaneers ended up handling their business against the Saints, it was clear that the Panthers wanted to end the Falcons’ season themselves.
NFC South rivalries are officially back.
Despite an impressive performance from Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback, Bryce Young picked apart a Falcons defense that looked incapable of generating any sort of pass rush. When the Panthers doubled down on the Falcons’ elimination by way of a Miles Sanders touchdown in overtime, Carolina had a clear message to the Falcons faithful at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
“See y’all in Cabo!”
#Panthers Jadeveon Clowney to #Falcons fans after the OT win: “See y’all in Cabo!”@CSLonQCN #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/Zp46sNAVEA
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) January 5, 2025
Postgame video showed Ja’Tavion Sanders and Jadeveon Clowney repeating that message to Falcons fans. Sure, the Panthers were never in playoff contention themselves, but they were glad to take the Falcons into the offseason with them.
