After Jared Goff's touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown, the offense didn't score again until halfway through the fourth quarter.
Under new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, the Falcons defense started strong with a fourth-down stop in their own red zone and an interception within Carolina's 20-yard line in the first quarter
Falcons scored on that interception. Atlanta signed free agency safety Jessie Bates, who had two interceptions and two defensive stops in his first game.
This offense will rely heavily on Zay Flowers. He finished the game with 87 rushing and receiving yards on 11 touches after four targets and one rushing attempt in the first quarter.
Both passing offenses struggled in this contest. Joe Burrow completed 14-of-31 for 82 yards without a touchdown. Deshaun Watson had a stronger game, going 16-for-29 for 154 yards and a touchdown
Watt had three sacks, two forced fumbles, one tackle for loss, one fumble recovery, and five quarterback hits, awaiting reviews. These numbers will place him in the early Defensive Player of the Year conversation
Calvin Ridley became the Jaguars' main receiver next to Trevor Lawrence, fulfilling his offseason hype since returning from suspension. Ridney caught eight of 11 targets for 101 yards and a touchdown.