From beginning to end, this was a rivalry game. The energy was palpable in Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Atlanta Falcons’ season opener against the Carolina Panthers, and although the play was a little bit sloppy, it was very nice to have football back in our lives.
With mounting excitement surrounding the team, there was an abnormal amount of pressure on the Falcons to win this Week 1 matchup. It was a true complementary effort, and Atlanta out-scratched and out-clawed the Panthers to emerge with a 24-10 victory.
The overall lackluster performance, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, will linger for a little while and may dampen some of that excitement.