The Carolina Panthers are on course to reach the playoffs by winning the NFC South title as they hold a 24-3 in their match against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Panthers had early success in the running game as Jonathan Stewart managed to find holes in the defense, while Cam Newton also used his legs to good effect to take his team to the red zone, but they were forced to settle for three points from the boot of Graham Gano.
Carolina did get into the endzone at the end of the first quarter as Newton found Ed Dickson, who caught the ball over his head and stumbled backwards into the endzone for the score.
The Falcons missed an excellent chance to score a touchdown as Matt Ryan hit Patrick DiMarco on the one-yard line for a potential walk-in touchdown, but the full-back dropped the ball, forcing his side to settle for a field goal from Matt Bryant.
Ryan then committed a crucial error as he threw too high for Roddy White and was picked off by Roman Harper, who ran the ball back to the endzone for the touchdown.
Just before the break, the Panthers took full control of the match as a fumble from White allowed Thomas Davis to return the ball to the four-yard line, and Newton powered over on the next play for the touchdown.
Simon Sinclair
