by Sharon Thorsland
It’s another division game for the Panthers this week, who finally return home after a three week road trip to take on the Falcons. And for the third straight week, the Panthers are facing a rival who’s fighting for the NFC South title. The Falcons are 6-7 on the year but trail the Bucs by just one game in the division, so they need to win this week to stay in contention.
With torrential rain and winds in the forecast, both teams will no doubt look to run the ball a lot. That’s right up Atlanta’s alley – the Falcons rank 6th in the NFL averaging over 132 yards per game. They’ve got a three-headed monster at running back in rookie Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier and veteran Cordarelle Patterson. All three are threats in the passing game as well, and can make things difficult for opposing defenses. “Everyone of them runs different,” said Panthers defensive end Derrick Brown. “Bijan is super athletic, Tyler Allgeier is a power back, Cordarelle is a downhill guy. All three of them waste no time trying to get downhill into the line of scrimmage.”
With the running game clicking, the Falcons don’t throw the ball a ton, and that’s probably a good thing. Second year quarterback Desmond Ridder has struggled with turnovers, he’s got 15 of them – nine interceptions and six lost fumbles. But he’s played better recently, and has some dangerous receivers in Drake London and tight ends Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith. They’ll face a Panther defense that is third the NFL against the pass allowing just 175 yards per game.
The Falcons defense has improved quite a bit this season, they’re solid against the pass and the run. Former Wake Forest safety Jesse Bates has five interceptions and leads the team in tackles. He teams with lock down cornerback A.J. Terrell in the secondary. The Falcons front seven is missing All-Pro defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who tore his ACL. But they’ve still got fellow All-Pro Calais Campbell, and edge rushers Bud Dupree and Arnold Ebikete, who have combined for 10.5 sacks. One interesting stat – the Falcons have not allowed a touchdown to a running back this season. All five of the rushing touchdowns they’ve given up have been to quarterbacks.
This is certainly a game that seems winnable for the Panthers, who have not thrown in the towel in spite of their 1-12 record. Guys still say they have plenty to play for, and they really want to get a win against their division rival, who beat them in the season opener. And if they could help spoil the Falcons playoff hopes at the same time? Even better. “If we’re going to the crib, I want everyone else at the house too,” said Brown.. “We know we’ve been eliminated from the playoff run, but hopefully we’ll get a chance to put a few more teams at the house with us.”
