December 8, 2003

VICK’S RETURN SPARKS FALCONS IN WIN OVER PANTHERS

The Atlanta Falcons defeated the NFC South division-rival Carolina Panthers 20-14 in overtime Sunday night, as Falcons QB MICHAEL VICK made his first start of the season after suffering a leg injury in preseason.

Vick threw for 179 yards and added 141 yards and one touchdown on the ground.  His 141 rushing yards rank third in NFL history for a quarterback.  Vick ran for an NFL-record 171 yards against Minnesota last season.  RB T.J. DUCKETT ran for 59 yards and one touchdown as well.

Panthers RB STEPHEN DAVIS carried 24 times for 81 yards and one touchdown in the losing effort, while QB JAKE DELHOMME threw for 153 yards and one touchdown. 

On the first possession of overtime, Falcons CB KEVIN MATHIS intercepted Delhomme and returned the pickoff 32 yards for a touchdown to give Atlanta its first home victory of the season.

With the win, the Falcons improve to 3-10 heading into a showdown with Indianapolis in Week 15.  Carolina drops to 8-5, but can still win the NFC West with a victory next week at Arizona.