Carolina Panthers/Atlanta Falcons Preview

 The Return of the Cardiac Cats vs. Upstart Falcons.

Two fantastic 4^th quarter comebacks in the first 2 weeks against the powerhouse San Diego Chargers and the Stifling Defensive Bears and then a collapse against the Minnesota Vikings off a game changing hit and run in for a score by Antoine Winfield. The Panther’s were unable to rebound and saw their 10-0 lead evaporate to a 20-10 loss. I thought that with the return of Smith, and Gus Frerotte at the helm for Minnesota, the Panther’s would win in a route but as they say that is why they play the game. It was clear that Smith’s return disrupted the timing of the offense which should be quickly corrected this upcoming weekend against the Falcons. So which team shows up this week  for this NFC South’s first place battle against the over achieving Atlanta Falcons? 

The Falcons at a glance…

The (2-1) Atlanta Falcons are led by rookie QB Matt Ryan and the NFL’s leading rusher with 366 yards Michael Turner.  On Defense John Abraham was a monster against the Chiefs week 3 with 2 sacks and a forced fumble.  Larry Johnson ran for 108 yards against the Falcons D on week 3, and will now have to deal with the 2 headed attack of the Panthers. The Falcons DB’s are coming off an impressive 3 interception performance against the Chiefs but will have their hands full against the Panther’s receiving core. The Falcons wins so far have come against two bottom feeding teams, the Chiefs and the now Matt Millen less Lions.

The Panther’s at a Glance..

The Carolina Panther’s this season have had a one two punch run game led by rookie Jonathan Stewart and Deangelo Williams. Jake Delhomme has been the steady leader of old and has shown no ill effects from his elbow surgery with his two 4th quarter comebacks. The Offensive Line will welcome the return of Travelle Wharton this week which will hopefully put a halt to the false starts which plagued them on week 3. The Panthers have built a talented receiving core with Smith, Muhammed, Hackett, Jarrett, King, and Rosario.  The defense has suffered the loss of rookie linebacker Dan Conner for the season, but overall will be going into Sunday’s contest against the Falcons a very healthy, worthy bunch led by Julius Peppers who has disappeared from the sack column for almost a full year now, but still garners double teaming and the brunt of the offensive line every time on the field.

My Gut feeling… 

The match up looks intriguing with 2 run games going head to head, however the Panthers have the edge with a 2 headed attack and have proven so far from a defensive side of being able to shut down marquee running backs. The Falcons have played sub par teams thus far and the Panthers have been battle tested against 3 great teams so far. My experience with the Panthers are when Vegas think they are going to win and have a big spread, they lose or don’t cover.  My feeling is that the Panther’s will tug at their fan’s hearts yet again this week and will manage a win by the skin of their teeth and move to 3-1 with Kansas City coming to town.  

Jayson Saikaley aka “JerseyJay”

 

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