NFL hands Falcons veteran $11,941 fine after costly Panthers penalty

Atlanta Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews has been fined $11,941 by the NFL following a facemask penalty during his team's 34-3 Week 2 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The penalty occurred with 5:48 remaining in the second quarter, wiping out a 25-yard pass from Cooper Rush to Drake London.

The fine corresponds to the league's standard amount for a first facemask offense. Atlanta managed a 41-yard Nick Folk field goal on the drive, but Carolina went on to dominate the game, propelled by three touchdown passes from Bryce Young and five defensive turnovers.