ATLANTA (AP) — Carolina’s Bryce Young and Atlanta’s Michael Penix Jr. delivered identical somber messages following disappointing performances in losses last week: “I’ve got to be better.”

The quarterbacks are in the spotlight as the Panthers and Falcons seek more balanced offense in the renewal of their NFC South rivalry on Sunday.

The Panthers (5-5) and Falcons (3-6) share similar stories of frustration in recent seasons. Each team is looking to snap a streak of seven consecutive losing seasons and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Each team is counting on its young quarterback to spark a turnaround, but the 2025 results have been mixed as the running games have been more reliable for Atlanta and Carolina. Penix and Young rank 21st and 25th, respectively, in passing ya

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