Underrated Panthers rookie gets credit for big game against Falcons

Nic Scourton is quietly putting together a really good rookie season.

Nov 16, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson (71) defends Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Nic Scourton (11) in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers still don't have a good pass rush whatsoever, and that showed up on Sunday. Especially in the first half, the lack of pressure on Michael Penix Jr. allowed him and Drake London to tear Carolina's zone defense to shreds.

But that's not really the fault of Nic Scourton. He didn't have a great day rushing the passer, but he made some winning plays and is quietly having a very solid rookie season. After Sunday's win, one NFL insider gave him some credit he might not have otherwise gotten.

Nic Scourton praised for underrated contributions to clutch Panthers win

Oct 26, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Scourton (11) runs on to the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Nic Scourton didn't quite show up on the box score like his fellow rookies might've. Tetairoa McMillan had eight catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns against the top-ranked pass defense. Rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald was perfect, including on the game-winning kick.

But NFL writer Eric Edholm said, "Another first-year standout was Nic Scourton, who had some game-changing plays, including a late tackle for a 5-yard loss on Bijan Robinson. Even though Carolina’s pass rush needs more juice, Scourton has really come on of late."

Scourton's TFL on Robinson helped get the Panthers the ball back, and it gave them some new life in their comeback attempt. Without it, the Panthers might never have gotten to overtime, so credit is certainly due. For all the offense did, Scourton and the D held the Falcons in check in the second half, allowing for the comeback.

Perhaps the best evidence of Scourton's impact is in a comment made by announcer Brady Quinn. He said after a big Scourton play that the rookie edge rusher plays every play "like his hair is on fire," which is a massive compliment.

Scourton and the rest of the edge department need to improve at actually getting to and taking down the quarterback, but the rookie out of Purdue and Texas A&M does a lot really well, just 11 games into his NFL career. He might not be a Trey Hendrickson or Myles Garrett type, but he is a foundational piece on the outside, and games like Sunday's illustrate why.

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI -

Panthers studs & duds from comeback win over Falcons

Takeaways from Carolina’s thrilling OT win vs. Falcons

Ejiro Evero compares Panthers rookie to rising Chiefs star

ESPN insider links Panthers to potential QB upgrade in 2026