Falcons vs. Panthers Preview, Score and More

by Ray Glier

Filed under: Atlanta Falcons, Panthers, NFC South

Atlanta is 10-2 and closing in on the home field advantage on the NFC side of the playoffs. There is too much at stake for the Falcons to stumble against the 1-11 Panthers. Right?

The Falcons pass defense ranks 26th in the NFL, but when it counts they seem to make plays on the back end of the defense. Cornerback Brent Grimes shut off a Tampa Bay march late with an interception last week.

Besides, Carolina's pass game is atrocious. The Falcons are eighth best in the league against the run and that is what Carolina can do. The Panthers could have hoped for a letdown by Atlanta and a subpar performance, but that came last week against the Bucs.

There is one thing about the Panthers. They are having a miserable season, but they have not quit yet.

Who: Atlanta (10-2) vs. Carolina (1-11)

When: Sunday 1 p.m.

Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte

TV: Fox/Direct TV 711

Players to Watch: Falcons RB Michael Turner. He might have to get all the carries unless the team feels it can trust Antone Smith to handle some of the load. Backup Jason Snelling is injured. It could be slick weather so the ground game could be the best offense.

Falcons left guard Justin Blalock. Jon Beason, the Panthers' middle linebacker, is still a hungry player and he is back at his old position. If the Falcons want to run inside they will have to get off the line and cut down Beason.

LB Curtis Lofton. The Panthers' Jonathan Stewart is back on his game. Here come some downhill runs into the teeth of the Atlanta defense.

Panthers safety Charles Godfrey has five interceptions. There is going to be a third-down-and-long pass play the Panthers are going to have to stop early in the game to get momentum. Godfrey needs to be around those deep middle throws. The Falcons are killer on third down.

Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn. The Falcons are going to hunt the young corner, who has stepped in ahead of Chris Gamble.

Panthers left tackle Jordan Gross. He should be face-to-face with Jonathan Babineaux, the Falcons' best player on defense. He will have to block him or stalemate him for the run game to go inside. Gross will also have to deal with the rushes of defensive end John Abraham. Good luck.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Jon Ryan Mike Scifres Daniel Sepulveda Hunter Smith