For the first time since 2013, the Carolina Panthers know how “sweep” it is to dominate the Atlanta Falcons.

Sunday’s 30-27 overtime win marked Carolina’s second victory on the season over Atlanta. The triumphant comeback, which saw them down by as much as 14 points, was headlined by a red-letter day from quarterback Bryce Young and a resilient second-half showing from the defense.

Let’s dive in on this thrilling outing with our biggest takeaways from Week 11 . . .

Have a day, Bryce Young

Young, despite his previous struggles and a bothersome ankle injury, turned in a performance that silenced his critics. The third-year passer completed 31 of his 45 throws for 448 yards—a new single-game franchise record—and three touchdowns.

He was fearless throwing the ball, as the Panthers emphasized downfield action. This was the most deliberate and decisive the 24-year-old has played in any game of his career to this point.

Like last year’s regular-season finale, which was also in Atlanta, this is the type of game fans won’t soon forget. And it may even, with signs of a legitimate passing attack, bode well against two tough upcoming opponents in the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams.

Run game stalls despite Young’s historic game

Maybe it was an instance of Atlanta selling out to stop the run, but Carolina couldn’t get much going on the ground.

Dowdle, in trying to feed off his hot start to the season, ran for just 45 yards on 19 carries. He could, especially with a quad injury, be up against some fatigue.

If Dowdle needs more of a breather, then Panthers must consider getting more of the backfield work to Chuba Hubbard and rookie Trevor Etienne. Hubbard appeared as strong as he has all year, rushing for 21 yards on five totes.

Dowdle has never had to carry a workload like this before, and it might be showing.

Dave Canales’ questionable personnel decisions

The Panthers found themselves in a pickle off two key personnel decisions this week.

Chandler Zavala, who (perhaps curiously) got the nod over Austin Corbett at right guard, struggled mightily. He put Young in danger twice—failing to pick up a nickel blitz on a sack and then stepping on his foot on a fourth-and-1 late in the game. Both plays had Young feeling the pain in his ankle.

Inside linebacker Claudin Cherelus, who was replacing the injured Trevin Wallace, was also a liability at times—showing up out of position too often. Although he made two key plays in the fourth quarter, his start shed more light on the depth issues in the middle of the defense.

Canales and the staff should look to adjust their personnel moving forward.

The Panthers are competing for an NFC South crown

At 6-5, the Panthers are now just half a game behind the NFC South lead.

While their remaining schedule is the most difficult in the NFL, Carolina has plenty of opportunities to show that they are ready to compete—both in the short and long term. And, yes, Canales has had some difficulties—but he’s guided this team to a forward track.

That’s something the last few regimes could not stake claim to.

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