Vick Is in a Rush to Win

Michael Vick handled things in regulation. Kevin Mathis took care of overtime.

Vick rushed for 141 yards -- the third-highest total by a quarterback in NFL history -- before Mathis scored on a 32-yard interception return in overtime to lead the Atlanta Falcons past the Carolina Panthers, 20-14, Sunday night.

“We’ve only won three games, but this is the biggest,” Vick said.

After Deon Grant picked off Vick’s pass at the Carolina two to deny the Falcons (3-10) a chance to win in regulation, the Panthers (8-5) got the ball first in overtime.

On third down, Jake Delhomme tried a pass over the middle. Mathis stepped in front of the intended receiver, grabbed the ball and headed the other way.

Delhomme tried to knock Mathis out of bounds at the one, but Mathis dived for the pylon. After calling off the Falcons’ celebration to review the play, referee Bill Carollo ruled Mathis had scored.

The Falcons -- and Vick -- got to celebrate again, having won their first home game this season and denying Carolina a chance to clinch the NFC South championship.

It was as if Vick had never been away.

Starting for the first time this season after sitting out because of a broken leg, Vick completed 16 of 33 passes for 179 yards, but it was his running that stood out. In 14 carries, he put himself third on the quarterback rushing list, which he leads with a 173-yard performance against Minnesota last year.

Vick had played two series the previous week in the Falcons’ 17-13 loss to Houston.

During pregame introductions, Vick was last to emerge from the tunnel, thumping his chest as he trotted on the field.

The Atlanta fans, who had seen their team lose its first six home games, waved towels and let out their loudest roar in weeks.

Carolina had a chance to win the second division title in franchise history. Instead, the Panthers lost their third in a row.

Carolina had won three overtime games this season, all on the road.