The Panthers made a big change to their offensive coaching staff during their bye week and the early results are good.
Quarterback Cam Newton capped a quick 65-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown run and the Panthers lead the Falcons 7-0 with just over eight minutes to play in the first quarter. Senior offensive assistant and running backs coach Jeff Nixon is serving as the offensive play-caller after the Panthers fired offensive coordinator Joe Brady last Sunday.
Newton also had an 11-yard gain during the drive and he connected on all three passes he tried for 33 yards.
The Falcons went three-and-out to open the game and used their first timeout with a failed challenge that tight end Kyle Pitts got first down on a diving third-down catch.