Panthers open NFC South Play
by Sharon Thorsland
It’s the division opener and the homer opener for the Panthers, who welcome the Atlanta Falcons to Bank of America stadium on Sunday. They’re hoping the third time’s the charm as they’ve dropped their first two games of the season. The Falcons are 1-1 after a loss to the Bucs and a win over the Vikings on Sunday night. They finished 8-9 last season but expectations are high in Atlanta after an influx on talent on defense and the return of an offense that is loaded with weapons.
The Panthers might have lost to the Cardinals last week but they were more competitive after mounting a furious second half comeback that just fell short in the final minute. And the defense was certainly much improved – they allowed just 82 rushing yards after seven straight games of giving up at least 200 yards on the ground. They’ll need to carry over that success when they face the Falcons, who boast one of the best running back tandems in the game in Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. They combined for 2000 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns last season and have picked up where they left off with 267 yards through two games this season. “They got a two-headed monster back there,” said Panthers linebacker Trevin Wallace. “With Bijan, he’s the type of running back you’ve got to stop before he gets going. Allgeier, that’s somebody you have to come tackle; you can’t go in their tip-toeing. Because if you do, you’re going to be laying on your back while he’s running for the touchdown.”
Robinson is also a threat at receiver and is one of quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s favorite targets. Fourth year wideout Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts are dangerous weapons, and keep an eye out for former Clemson standout Ray-Ray McCloud.
The Falcon’s defense was the weak link on this team last season, not so anymore. They rank second in the NFL total defense and passing defense, and their seven sacks are tied for fifth in the league. New defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has breathed life into what was previously an anemic pass rush, with a pair of rookies leading the charge. Panthers fans might remember their names as they were potential draft picks for Carolina. But the Falcons ended up drafting edge rushers Jalon Walker out of Georgia and Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. and the two have not disappointed, they each have one sack. The team also signed former 49ers pass rusher Leonard Floyd in free agency. The Panthers will have their hands full with this group especially since they’re down two starting offensive linemen with the injuries to Robert Hunt and Austin Corbett.
Bryce Young and the Panther’s passing attack will have their hands full with Atlanta’s secondary, which is anchored by a pair of All-Pros in cornerback AJ Terrell and safety Jesse Bates. The Falcons are allowing just 139 passing yards per game and have two interceptions. Young has thrown three picks this season and will need to limit his mistakes if the Panthers want to come out on top in this game. Young had the best game of his young career against the Falcons in week 18 last season, when he accounted for a whopping five touchdowns in the overtime win. He and the Panthers would like nothing more than to beat their division rivals again on Sunday in front of their home fans.
