WHAT IT MEANS

The ride is over.

For the first time in 392 days, the Carolina Panthers lost in the regular-season, snapping their NFC-record 18 game win streak.

The Falcons, who were embarrassed 38-0 in Charlotte just two weeks ago, snapped a two-game skid in the series after losing the past two matchups by a combined score of 72-3.

After the Panthers opened the game with an 11-yard touchdown drive, it appeared they'd get the ball right back after a Falcons' three-and-out. But cornerback Charles Tillman was flagged for a personal foul after tussling with receiver Roddy White, a moment that could have called for offsetting penalties. Regardless, the Panthers then had four chances to stop Atlanta on the drive, but the Falcons instead went 16 plays to tie the game at 7.

Carolina dug its own grave with untimely penalties, missed tackles and an offense that looked anything but the league's highest-scoring unit. The Panthers' 13 points were their fewest since they scored 13 last November in Minnesota, which was the last time they'd lost in the regular season.

The Panthers could have locked up home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs with a win, but now they'll need help from the Packers. If Green Bay beats Arizona late Sunday afternoon, the Panthers will still earn the NFC's No. 1 seed. But if the Cardinals win, they'd have a chance to steal that spot in Week 17 if they beat the Seahawks and the Panthers fall to the Bucs.

That's what Carolina coach Ron Rivera will be concerned about now instead of whether to play his starters with a chance to go 16-0. The Panthers could have become just the second team to start a regular season 15-0, but instead, they'll have to settle for being only the fourth to go 14-0. And now, they'll face plenty of questions about a surprisingly inept offensive performance and a suddenly leaky defense.

TOP PLAYS

–Cam Newton goes Beastmode

–Something about how the other team gets paid, too. 

NOTABLE NUGGETS

–QB Cam Newton became the first player in NFL with 30 or more passing touchdowns and eight or more rushing touchdowns in a single season.

–The Panthers' defense struggled to get off the field on third down, allowing the Falcons to convert 9 of their 15 third downs. Carolina's defense came in ranked 8th in the league on third down while Atlanta's offense was ranked 4th.

–The Falcons’ first score of the game was their first touchdown against the Panthers in their past 30 drives.

HEALTH WATCH

–WR Ted Ginn missed a couple plays in the second quarter after he suffered what was announced in the press box as a knee injury.

–RB Fozzy Whittaker was carted to the locker room midway through the fourth quarter after suffering an ankle injury.