Carolina Panthers Vs. Atlanta Falcons: Offensive Preview
by James Dator on Oct 14, 2011 10:27 AM EDT
in Panthers Game Previews
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PrintA tough division match-up, the first time the Falcons see the new look Panthers and Cam Newton's homecoming- these are but three story lines that will dominate this weekend's game against Atlanta. Despite those three elements being what fans will talk about on Monday, in reality this game boils down to one base desire per team: The Panthers are desperate for a win, and the Falcons are desperate not to lose.
Superficially these seem very similar, but in practice their very different. The young, brash Panthers are desperate to hang their hat on a good, soild win against an established team like Atlanta, after coming so close for so many weeks. Meanwhile, the Falcons can't afford to lose if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive; with the Saints surging, and the NFC being as talented across the board as its been in a decade there's a legitimate fear a wild card wont come out of the NFC South. So what makes this Sunday tick? Let's take a look.
X-Factor: DeAngelo Williams' big play ability
Any talk of Williams being 'done' has been silenced now with back-to-back stellar performances. While the Falcons have been quite stout against the run in 2011, (allowing just 3.5 yards per carry on the year) DeAngelo Williams will need to be on point to help the offensive balance. Cam Newton is going to get his yards regardless, but there are times when he puts too much pressure on himself and that's when he starts to force the ball. If Williams can contribute some big gains and keep the defense off balance then the play action can start working and it's here that Cam is at his most deadly.
Ultimately I feel DeAngelo's big play ability is just starting to be tapped into and with creative play calls like last week's option I think it will be too much for the Falcons to handle.
Edge: Panthers
Carolina run offense vs. Atlanta run defense
This week I'm making an important distinction between DeAngelo Williams' big play ability, and the running game as a whole. In this way I'm postulating that the run game for Carolina will be one to grind out yards, control the clock and move the chains. In this match-up I'm hardly as confident in the Panthers as I am Williams' shock and awe ability for 2-3 plays.
The Falcons have seen good running backs this season. Players like LeGarrette Blount, Matt Forte, Marshawn Lynch and LeSean McCoy. Despite seeing this group of backs the Falcons still held strong to their 3.5 YPC. It will be hard for Jonathan Stewart to carve up the middle as he's able to do around the NFL, and cornerback Dunta Robinson is a very good tackler which could limit the Panthers' ability in running up the edge.
Edge: Falcons
Carolina pass offense vs. Atlanta pass defense
This could be the most lopsided element to Sunday's game. I don't see a reliable way for the Falcons to stop the connection between Steve Smith and Cam Newton. The Dirty-Bird's pass rush is hurt with John Abraham still being unable to practice this week, which should give Newton a fairly clean pocket to operate in. The aforementioned Dunta Robinson is an extremely good corner, but Smitty has beaten talented guys all year.
Furthermore, the Panthers love going to their tight ends in short situations and the Falcons don't have a reliable way to stop both Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey. When this is coupled with Atlanta allowing 46% of third down conversions this season it bodes well for Carolina.
Edge: Panthers
This afternoon I'll look at the Panthers defensive chances this week in the Georgia Dome.
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Not much for predictions most of the time
But I said last week that the Panthers are scary right now because of pent up frustration and somebody is going to get punched in the mouth eventually.
I’m not going to predict the score, but I have this gut feeling this week that Atlanta may be on the receiving end of a knockout blow.
Let's just hope that people play within their means and don't try to overcompensate due to that frustration
People say bad teams find a way to lose, and its pretty much dead-on. You get frustrated with losing and try to do too much, which results in costly mistakes. We can win this game if we play within our means. Every week I see the mistakes getting smaller, especially on offense, but they’re still there in some form or fashion. Here’s to hoping we put together 4 solid quarters and a W
On a side note, I am very excited about our newfound ability to move the ball inside the opposing 30. Red zone production will make up for our deficiencies on defense for the time being.
Good points for sure
I just get the feeling this team wants to prove something. They are tired of the “moral victories” and “at least we compete” talk this year. They want to prove they can win and somebody is going to be on the receiving end of that at some point when this team does click.
by MindMachine on Oct 14, 2011 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
All Carolina needs to do is keep playing as they have throughout the season
The Achilles heel has been penalties. Reduce then and execute the plays not only will the Panthers win the game, they will finish with a very respectable record.
You get what you put in and people get what they deserve.
by Disciple of Carolina on Oct 14, 2011 11:07 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Our penalties have been at the worst times too.
I think we’ve had less and less as the season has gone on (I could be wrong) but they are always at the most inopportune times.
by MindMachine on Oct 14, 2011 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
This.
Its really is almost comical.
"Between you, me and the wall here, I had a bit of a doozy myself last night. Get this: A corn-fed harvest mouse, a hooker, a nun, a Flemish peasant woman, whips, chains, whistles yo-yo's, a circus midget. My grandmother riding by on a bicycle giving me the finger, and a duck! Now, I don't know 'bout you...Are you crying?"
On a side note, I am very excited about our newfound ability to move the ball inside the opposing 30. Red zone production will make up for our deficiencies on defense for the time being.
Isn’t it a little sad how excited we are about that? Shows how awful the offense has been the last few years…
Proud Member of Cat Scratch Reader and coiner of the (minus Bowers) meme
yeap
I used to be concerned when we were down in the 4th and had to mount a comeback. Now I’m concerned when we’re up and the defense has to make a stop. Its a new feeling.
by ppalm on Oct 14, 2011 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It makes me somewhat sad that I have to agree with this
But I completely understand what you are saying.
Exactly what I'm thinking, too
SOMEBODY is gonna pay real soon…and I think we’re catching the Falcons at a great time.
The only problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.
-Margaret Thatcher
by Panther Fan in GA on Oct 14, 2011 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
How is Cam going to perform...
in his hometown in front of his family and friends? Will he force the ball into tight coverage more than usual, or will he be patient by allowing plays to develop? His homecoming will play a part in the outcome this week and may give us a good idea of how future visits to Atlanta may turn out for Cam and Company.
honestly, I think Cam has his best performance. Cam is the type that actually performs better under a lot of noise and pressure. I know it sounds strange. Think about it, Cam’s worst performance this year has been a home game against the Jaguars. His best performances have been in Arizona which is an away game with a very tough crowd, at Soilder field, one of the toughest places to play and against the super bowl champs.
He thrives under pressure. You put Cam in a monday night football game at lambeu field against the packers, guarantee he would play lights out. Thats just when he plays best. The more noise and pressure, the better for him.
by PantherTrain on Oct 14, 2011 11:15 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree, and I can only hope we are correct.
by Derek Leazer on Oct 14, 2011 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I am seriously betting we go over 40 pts this game
Almost all in the air
Follow me on Twitter @manu4t
Legedu Naanee
Just hope this guy (Naanee) can step up and play like a #2 reciever. He is 12 of 33 in the passing game. Is there any other #2 reciever in the league that has this many missed opportunities, who is playing for a top notch QB? Atlanta is weak against the pass this year and we can really light it up!!
FWIW, he played much better last week.
"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad
"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger
by KaiserBromley on Oct 14, 2011 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Not sure if you do a special teams preview, James.
But to me, if we can keep Eric Weems from breaking off a game-changing return, we should probably win this game (assuming Micheal Turner doesn’t have the game of his life).
"Between you, me and the wall here, I had a bit of a doozy myself last night. Get this: A corn-fed harvest mouse, a hooker, a nun, a Flemish peasant woman, whips, chains, whistles yo-yo's, a circus midget. My grandmother riding by on a bicycle giving me the finger, and a duck! Now, I don't know 'bout you...Are you crying?"
I've only seen Weems handle the ball a handful of times this preseason/season
but every time he gets the ball in his hands he’s a threat to score. Definitely need to contain him on ST.
"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad
"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger
by KaiserBromley on Oct 14, 2011 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
And sadly I worry more about our ineptness on ST than I do Weems' ability.
Double farts.
"Between you, me and the wall here, I had a bit of a doozy myself last night. Get this: A corn-fed harvest mouse, a hooker, a nun, a Flemish peasant woman, whips, chains, whistles yo-yo's, a circus midget. My grandmother riding by on a bicycle giving me the finger, and a duck! Now, I don't know 'bout you...Are you crying?"
It is sad. I almost have to close my eyes when we kick/punt to the other team.
"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad
"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger
by KaiserBromley on Oct 14, 2011 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
Yeah. I typically try to stay about 20 minutes behind the live action on my DVR in case I need to fast forward through such plays…or fast forward past yet another 3rd down conversion by the opponent.
"Between you, me and the wall here, I had a bit of a doozy myself last night. Get this: A corn-fed harvest mouse, a hooker, a nun, a Flemish peasant woman, whips, chains, whistles yo-yo's, a circus midget. My grandmother riding by on a bicycle giving me the finger, and a duck! Now, I don't know 'bout you...Are you crying?"
I have a good feeling about this game.
Of course, that’s tempered by the fact that we’ve been in every game and managed to find a way to lose. Cam and Smitty are in for a big day. The Falcons defensive backfield has been torn up this season, and Smitty has a history of torching the Dirty Birdz.
By the numbers, the Falcons have been incredibly stout against TE’s. Zach Miller doesn’t have a QB so no wonder they shut him down, Kellen Winslow is breaking down, but Jermichael Finley managed to gain about 70 yards. I think numbers lie here and Olsen/Shockey will have a good game.
Unless D-Lo manages to break a big one, the renaissance of the running game won’t continue this week.
Our offense falls squarely on the shoulders of one Cameron Jerell Newton. He should have a clean pocket all day considering ATL’s best pass rusher is banged up and Ray Edwards thus far hasn’t done much to earn his contract. Cam goes for 275+ yards, 2-3 touchdowns through the air (2 by way of Smitty) and maybe runs one more in.
"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad
"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger
And as for Deunta Robinson,
I’ll bet his teammates are begging him not to cheap shot Smitty after what Malcolm Jenkins went through due to Roman Harper’s indiscretions lol.
"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad
"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger
by KaiserBromley on Oct 14, 2011 1:37 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
From what I have seen of Dunta Robinson
The only plays he has a chance of making are cheap shots. OVERRATED.
Follow me on Twitter @manu4t
per Don Banks at SI
I know this much: I’m not messing with Steve Smith. Bad things happen to people who do. Did you see the veteran Panthers receiver pick up Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins by the face mask in Sunday’s end-zone brawl? Sometimes it’s teammates, and sometimes it’s opponents, but eventually everyone has to be aware of where Smith is at all times.
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/don_banks/10/12/week.5/index.html#ixzz1ar4fplA2
If you haven't watched DWill's video chat from last week go watch it
it is awesome, and hilarious, and a different angle on the game
"The way y'all are lollygaggin around here with them picks and them shovels, you'd think it was 120 degrees...can't be more than 114."
by SouthernPanther on Oct 14, 2011 3:39 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
call me crazy
but i just put nannee in my starting FF lineup. I figure all the targets he is getting he is going to get lucky soon. Not to mention i also have larry fitzgerald (bye) and andre johnson (hurt)
"The way y'all are lollygaggin around here with them picks and them shovels, you'd think it was 120 degrees...can't be more than 114."
by SouthernPanther on Oct 14, 2011 3:49 PM EDT reply actions
Let's be honest here, SP...
If your two 2nd-round WRs (in terms of FF) weren’t out, Naanee wouldn’t sniff your lineup. ;)
"Between you, me and the wall here, I had a bit of a doozy myself last night. Get this: A corn-fed harvest mouse, a hooker, a nun, a Flemish peasant woman, whips, chains, whistles yo-yo's, a circus midget. My grandmother riding by on a bicycle giving me the finger, and a duck! Now, I don't know 'bout you...Are you crying?"
I think I'd roll with Fitz on a bye.
Zero is better than a negative score.
The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace
I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.
this comment was a euphemism for "crazy"
"Between you, me and the wall here, I had a bit of a doozy myself last night. Get this: A corn-fed harvest mouse, a hooker, a nun, a Flemish peasant woman, whips, chains, whistles yo-yo's, a circus midget. My grandmother riding by on a bicycle giving me the finger, and a duck! Now, I don't know 'bout you...Are you crying?"
This might be another 400 yards game for Cam
That is provided we don’t jump out to a big lead. We’ll struggle running the ball, and have success passing. And as we’ve seen before Rivera and Chud won’t have any problem abandoning our failed running game, and letting Cam air it out all game long. Hopefully these 400 yards passing will be complimented by a “W”.
STEVE SMITH!
400 yards passing has to start equaling wins soon.
400 yard games and scoring into the 20s has to start equaling wins as soon as our defense clicks. Meanwhile, Newton is reaping the benefits of getting all these passing attempts in his first year.
Failure in a bold prediction bet/promise results in this sig.
hey bernz
i believed in our defense last year, and i believe in our defense when we get healthy next year. but its possible that the loss of edwards, beason and davis means, our defense might not click at all this year, with 3 key starters out, and 2 rooks at DT
SIMPLE AND PLAIN
Yeah they may not,
but meanwhile Newton is still getting a lot of valuable experience. I can wait till next year to win the superbowl, I don’t need many wins this year. But, the defense may still surprise us, didn’t they start out slow last year also?
Failure in a bold prediction bet/promise results in this sig.
Abraham was reported to be 50/50 for the game
And he did practice today – this may be an effort to upset our planning for the game, but nonetheless, he isnt a given to be out on Sunday.
Follow me on Twitter @manu4t
Falcons DE Edwards Got His First Sack Last Week
Maybe Edwards production with the Vikings was a product of the talent around him. His replacement with the Vikings DE Brian Robinson has 4.5 sacks this season, and Jared allen has 8.5 sacks, in their first 5 games.
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