ATLANTA () — The Carolina Panthers defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 44-38, in overtime in the final game of the regular season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 5.

Atlanta was looking to make the playoffs in their first year under head coach Raheem Morris returning as head coach.

Both teams traded field goals in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Carolina has the ball inside the five-yard line. Carolina quarterback Bryce Young scores on the keeper and the Panthers go up, 10-3.

The Falcons would answer later in the second quarter. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. dives into the endzone. The first rushing score of his career ties the game at 10.

The high-scoring second quarter continued when Carolina got the ball back. Young to Miles Sanders from out of the backfield as Carolina is back on top, 17-10.

Atlanta responded rapidly. Bijan Robinson finds the end zone for the 13th time on the ground this season. The game is tied again, this time at 17.

After the Falcons’s defense got a stop, the offense is back on the field. Penix hits Drake London in the corner of the end zone with three seconds left in the first half. Atlanta led, 24-17, at the break.

The second half did not get off to a good start for Atlanta. Penix’s pass was intercepted. The Ball was bobbled by the wide receiver and plucked out of the air by Carolina.

The turnover would hurt, as Atlanta surrenders a touchdown four plays later and the game is tied at 24, the fourth tie of the contest.

In the fourth quarter, this back-and-forth game showed no signs of stopping. Penix connected with London for the second time in the contest. The score tied the game at 31 with 9:50 remaining in the ball game.

With Carolina in possession, the Panthers overcame a first-and-25. Young scrambled into the endzone for the second time on the day. Carolina took a 38-31 lead with 4:01 left in the fourth quarter.

Later in the fourth quarter, Bijan Robinson scored for the third time to tie the game at 38. This is the third consecutive game Robinson has scored at least two rushing touchdowns.

In overtime, the Panthers received the ball first and the Falcons were not able to prevent a touchdown. Atlanta falls, 44-38, to end its season at 8-9.