ATLANTA — Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown was talking about the trust this team has built in each other, which was evident across the roster in a 30-27 overtime win over the Falcons.

Does that extend to the rookie kicker?

"Yeah, you're damn right," Brown said simply. "He earned it."

That would be baby-faced rookie Ryan Fitzgerald , who kicked his third walk-off game-winner of the season, a 28-yarder in overtime on Sunday in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Somehow, this was better than that time he beat North Gwinnett in his senior year at Colquitt County here, and definitely better than losing the state championship to Parkview .

"Let's go, winning record here now," Fitzgerald said with a laugh.

That's his personal record, and it applies to the team as a whole, now 6-5 and a hal

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