Quick look at Falcons vs Panthers

8-2, I'm excited about where the team currently stands, but the last two weeks give me pause about what's going to happen down the stretch. The remaining schedule is definitely no cake walk. We face Atlanta and then Green Bay on the road, before returning home to Charlotte for a rematch against Tampa Bay. We stay at home one more week to face Denver then hit the road for the final two games against the Giants and finally the Saints. The Charlotte Observer expands on our remaining schedule.

The Carolina Panthers have played six games at home, four on the road. Opponents have included Kansas City, Oakland and Detroit. Every other week looks like homecoming in Pantherland.

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There's not a team with a losing record among them. The teams Carolina has played have a record of 42-58. The teams they will play are 38-22.

We all know how Jake and the passing offense has fared the last two weeks. However, the rushing game, lead by DeAngelo Williams, has been impressive, albeit against the 30th and 32nd ranked rush defense.

Looking back at the last two games there are several things that caused them to be close, among them Delhomme's four interceptions and drops in the end zone or on third down. But to me the biggest surprise was our rush defense. I know we are ranked in the middle of the pack in rushing defense, but both weeks we had trouble stopping the opposition's running game. With Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood running toward us next week our DL and LB better pull it together.

Matt Ryan has proven he's not an ordinary rookie so the theory of just stop the run and Atlanta will fold doesn't hold the same value. Sure it helps to defeat a team to make them one dimensional but Ryan can complete his passes. On a positive note, unlike our rush defense, our pass rush and secondary have been playing well. Julius Peppers in the last two games have stepped up big time and is now ranked 6th in sacks for the season with 9 and first in forced fumbles with five. While those two games were against Oakland and Detroit let see if he can build of that momentum.

The Panthers will have to be on top of their game this week and down the stretch. This Sunday the team that wants it more will win. Let's hope the Panthers just want it more. I know I sure do.