Carolina Panthers Vs. Atlanta Falcons: Defensive Preview
This morning I looked at the Panthers offensive chances against the Falcons on Sunday, and now we're turning it around to see how the Falcons will move the football on Sunday.
X-Factor: Tony Gonzalez
I can safely say without hyperbole that this could be one of the most important games in Gonzalez's tenure with the Falcons. With Julio Jones out due to injury Gonzo becomes the bonafide #2 receiver for Atlanta, and the stakes are incredibly high for him. The catalyst for his move to Atlanta was to be on a contender and get the ring he so definitely deserves, but thus far that plan has gone sideways a little.
Last week the Panthers were completely unable to cover Jimmy Graham, and the same situation could occur with Gonzalez. We have no reliable linebacker in coverage, and he'll be able to eat up the middle of the field.
Edge: Falcons
Carolina run defense vs. Atlanta run offense
Honestly, how do we think this is going to go? Last week the Carolina Panthers did a fairly good job containing Mark Ingram, but Michael Turner is infinitely more talented than the Saints' RB. This year the Falcons offensive line has struggled to get a good push, but we hardly have the most talented group of defensive tackles to match them. This means the run game will be less about the lines and more about the back.
Carolina struggled against Beanie Wells, and struggled against Maurice Jones-Drew, so there's little reason to think we wont see the same situation with Turner. It will be of the utmost importance to limit Turner's ability wherever possible.
Edge: Falcons
Carolina pass defense vs. Atlanta pass offense
This is the area where the loss of Julio Jones really hurts the Falcons. With Jones I'd give Atlanta the edge, but without him they're a semblance of this former selves. Roddy white vs. Chris Gamble will be an interesting match-up, but I think Gamble can nullify White.
The next element to consider is the pass rush, and it's here where I think the Panthers can make a big impact. This season Matt Ryan has been on his heels when hit early and often, and its then when he starts to make some bad mistakes with the football. Against a banged up Falcons OL I think Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy can get to Ryan with regularity and upset his progression.
Edge: Panthers
Summary
This game is almost dead even, but I think the Panthers have an unquenchable fire this week to get a win. With the injuries Atlanta are suffering from I think it's too much for them to overcome and Cam Newton gets his first divisional win of his career.
Panthers 31 - Falcons 27
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Looks like Curry is impressing the Raiders...
RT @CorkOnTheNFL: Aaron Curry will start on Sunday after one practice … That must have been one heck of a practice, Steve.
Proud member of the Panthers Mafia!
Saving The Environment One Green Comment at a Time
'We're the little brothers getting punched in the head. Pretty soon, we're gong to learn to punch back.'" - Ron Rivera aka BAMF
Or the Raiders
Have absolutely no other NFL caliber LB
by rscott94 on Oct 14, 2011 3:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Not saying Curry is terrible
But the Raiders realy don’t have anyone else
by rscott94 on Oct 14, 2011 3:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Curry Replaces Quentin Groves (6-3, 265) As A Starter
Groves is something of a tweener, drafted by the Jaguars #52 in the 2008 draft, as a pass rushing DE. He was very fast (a 4.46-40 Pro Day), but too small to play DE at 259 pounds. He was doing a good job defendin the run this year. The Raiders seem to play a 4-3 defense, with 3-4 OLB’s (Kamerion Wimbley starting at the other OLB, at 255 pounds).
by PanthersRoar on Oct 14, 2011 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions
They have LaRon McClain who is pretty darn serviceable
by JStewart28 on Oct 14, 2011 5:54 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He is a fullback.....
RONALDO McClain
"What up? We're three cool guys looking for other cool guys who wanna hang out in our party mansion. Nothing sexual. Dudes in good shape encouraged. If you're fat, you should be able to find humor in the little things." Again, NOTHING SEXUAL
"I'd rather jerk off a tiger in a phone booth than draft Cam"
-Mel Kiper, Jr.
you guys are like a bunch of pirahnas
by chop goes da weazel on Mar 31, 2011 12:32 PM PDT
by MikeTrain on Oct 14, 2011 7:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
lol close
We were both wrong but you were closer. Rolando McClain. We all know who he is though. LB out of Alabama.
by JStewart28 on Oct 14, 2011 8:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
*Rolando McClain
Yeah, he was a top ten pick last year
"Panther Pride" -Sir Purr
by Son of a Newton on Oct 15, 2011 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Wimbley and McClain are very good
by Ol' Uncle Munnerlyn on Oct 14, 2011 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I meant at the position he plays
thats my bad terrible wording in my part…
this is what the Raiders blog said about Curry starting
New Raider Aaron Curry must be a quick learner and make a fabulous first impression. With just one practice under his belt Curry will assume starting weakside linebacker duties. Actually, I think we all know this has more to do with Quentin Groves sucking than anything Curry could have done in practice.
I mean, Curry was a 1st rounder for a reason.
Oakland made a good trade, I think we are going to see huge improvement on his part in Oakland.
This comment section has officially been Tater'd.
Curry is a hugely talented athlete, and when put in the right situation, I think he will break through.
I hope the Black Hole is the right fit. Gotta pull for the Deacs!!! I wish Rivera had given WFU’s Jim Grobe a call (or maybe he did) to get the scoop on Curry.
So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.
Defensive key:
When the quarterback passes the ball, its okay to challenge the reciever while he tries to catch it. Especially on third down. Heard it hear first.
"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?"
Should I be disappointed
If we lose?
Have we already reached a point where a team that beat us 31-10 last year feels like a should win?
Either way I expect us to win
Catches Bullets With His Teeth?
Everybody's disappointed after a loss, but we're also excited about the next game, the next year. We're uberfans!!!
Personally, I haven’t been disappointed yet, and I was more encouraged this week than any other. I think we’ll bring some serious attitude to this divisional rivalry game. And, I think we’ll get the W — if we don’t fuck up.
So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.
How do I feel about Gonzo?
I just traded Jason Witten and Victor Cruz for Tony Gonzalez and James Starks.
Pretty even trade. 12 team league… VERY deep benches. Really not much opportunity to build from the waiver wire, so you have to make trades. I desperately needed either a RB2 or solid depth for bye weeks.
This comment section has officially been Tater'd.
well, not sure if you're going to be happy with him as an RB2
I’ve had Starks as RB3 and he hasn’t done squat for me.
Right now, I'd be happy with Starks at RB2 in a least one league. He's got Ryan Grant on his
ass, pushing for more carries. I’m expecting Green Bay to start faster this week, on the road in the division, so they will jump to a big lead early. And, playing with the lead, maybe they’ll be inclined to give the big guy more shots. You made the right call iMO on the trade Tater. — unless they fuck up.
So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.
Gonzalez has outperformed Witten this year, even with Atlanta not playing so well
I had to get another RB. When Jamaal Charles went down, it left me with Hillis and Ingram and a bunch of JAGs. Starks at least is a decent bye week fill.
This comment section has officially been Tater'd.
Maybe I'm talking crazy
but Godfrey seemed to have the most success against Graham (was in great position on 2 of Graham’s circus catches… even batted one of them). Maybe we should shade Godfrey to Gonzalez. I’d take our corners and pass rush over their passing game
"When I've arrived, close my eyes"
The only problem with covering a TE with a safety is you don't have help over the top on the TE's side of the field.
"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?"
If our CBs do their job well
we don’t need help over the top, right?
Yes sir.
"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?"
Right,
but like I said before I still think I’d take our pass rush and corners (in one on one coverage) if it means drastically reducing Gonzalez’s impact on the game
"When I've arrived, close my eyes"
After what we saw Graham do last week.
I’m inclined to agree.
Unless Gamble can’t stay with White one-on-one.
"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?"
Yeah, it's certainly a thought
Especially with Jones out.
This too could be crazy talk.. but with Jones out, what are the chances Captain or Butler take over some of the Gonzales duty and let the LB’s focus on Turner?
I thought about that as well
but I don’t know if any of our corner’s (other than Gamble) would be able to effectively mark him. I’m not usually one to judge players based on size but Gonzalez is a savy vet and I think he would find a way to take advantage of those matchups…. Definitely a possibility though.
"When I've arrived, close my eyes"
We actually tried Butler (and damn near everyone else) on Graham last week.
Only if Gonzo is beating the doors off everyone else. Which is possible, I suppose.
"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 is where you miss a guy like TD
I don't always fail, but when I do...
I do it awesomely.
by BusyBeingAwesome on Oct 14, 2011 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
+1000
That exact thing crosses my mind every time I see a TE make a play against us or an RB pick up yardage on a screen.
Yup. Safety in a LBs body.
Beason is also very good in coverage. Anderson plays off so he can make a sure tackle. That doesn’t really get anyone off the field on third down.
"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?"
Hmmmm....perhaps a bit more 'AGGRESSIVENESS' is called for.
So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.
I thought about that too
But Godfrey isn’t exactly huge either and could likely be taken advantage of in a matchup against Gonzales too.
That's an interesting point, mcdonald. Sometimes a smothering coverage from a little guy will rattle a bigger man.
Sometimes quickness trumps size. Think Mugsy Bogues.
So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.
Re: Turner being infinitely more talented than Ingram
I disagree whole heartedly. We must all remember Ingram is a rookie, and running behind a line built for pass blocking. I think in time, it will be clear than Ingram is a star.
This comes from a Vols fan who had to watch him destroy my team once a year.
This comment section has officially been Tater'd.
In time, sure...
But from rookie week 4 Mark Ingram to veteran Michael Turner is a huge jump.
I’m not casting any aspersions on his future
Okay, I can agree with that
It just came off weird in the article. I think Ingram will end up having a better career than Turner, despite Turner wasting away his good years as a backup in SD.
This comment section has officially been Tater'd.
You really don't think
the 3 headed attack is more dangerous than Turner?
"When I've arrived, close my eyes"
History shows that Turner takes our milk money whenever we meet.
Let’s hope he’s slowing down.
"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?"
Haha, true...
Here’s to hoping the front 7 build on last weeks success. It’ll be tougher without Gaither but I’m always optimistic!
"When I've arrived, close my eyes"
McClain has been getting better.
"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?"
Milk Money...isn't that a movie?
Yeah…yeah it is. It’s a movie about three kids who pay a prostitute to show them her boobies.
/random thought
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.
Back when Melanie Griffith was almost brown-bagable.
"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?"
Seriously...
Now, Stevie Wonder wouldn’t even tap it.
“But Stevie, we put a bag on her head.”
“No thanks. I’m good.”
(This also applies to Sarah Jessica Parker.)
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.
I’ve always wondered how a guy ends up with a name like ‘Sarah Jessica.’
"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?"
by ERL on Oct 14, 2011 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I've wondered the same thing.
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.
I don't get it either...
To me, the only one on Sex and the City worth the time and effort is Kristin Davis.
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.
Honestly can't say I've ever even watched the show
The cover art for the movie and picture on the commercials was enough to tell me to stay far, far away from that one.
I haven't either...I've only seen over 9000 commercials about it on tv.
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.
DVR my friend DVR
When you watch your shows after they have been pre-recorded you can fast forward right through that shit…
Then again, what are you watching that has Sex And The City commercials anyway?
lol. jk.. maybe?
Kim Cattrall was an absolute goddess to me in the Porky's movies.
By the time SotC rolled around, though…not so much. (though I still had a bit of a nostalgia crush on her, to be perfectly honest)
Newton for '11 ROY!
Walker for '11 ROY!
Biyombo for '11 DPOY!
Hell yeah. She was the Gym teacher everyone called Lassie, right? Whooooooo
So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.
by Rick Bates on Oct 14, 2011 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wow...
lol. I thought she was OK in her prime. Don’t get wrong, Father Time has DEFINITELY not been kind to her. But she was decent in Milk Money. Or so I thought back when the movie came out.
SJP, on the other hand, has always been thoroughly unattractive to me.
Newton for '11 ROY!
Walker for '11 ROY!
Biyombo for '11 DPOY!
John Elway would hit it though...

“Yeaaaaahhh….(s)he’s a right purdy lookin’ mare.
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.
lol
“Winnie winnie. Nay nay.”
"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?"
nope
Saints scheme is not conducive to a strong running attack. The Falcons’ running game is sorta like the old Foxball Panthers, when it gets going, the only way to stop it is cheating in a Safety and crossing your fingers you don’t get torched on a play-action. Matt Ryan’s PA pass numbers are indicative of this.
Ya but
that hasn’t been the Falcons MO so far this year. Granted, maybe this week it will be, with the loss of Jones, but I think it kind of comes down to 2 things: Style of offense & RB talent
Style of offense: the Falcons may have once been a power running team but their identity is changing (to look a lot like the Saints). Noone really knows what we will get from them this week but the Saints had 28 rushing attempts (not including screen passes). Do you think Atlanta will exceed that? This leads to the next point..
RB Talent: Do you think in a game it better serves you to have 1 RB or a stable? Maybe it’s just me (& maybe I’m trying my best to drag out a match up conversation because I don’t feel like writing a Policy Analysis paper) but I was more worried about the three-headed monster (all things equal) than Turner. He is a total different type of back than the NO’s rb’s that’s for sure. Hopefully we get some big stops early and can dictate what we want the offense to do.
"When I've arrived, close my eyes"
I would have been worried about their set of RBs in a different offense
Under Payton, I don’t really fear the RB position in general. I guess my point is, you don’t focus your gameplan against NO as stopping the run. If you don’t stop the run against the Falcons, they are significantly more effective.
I feared the Sproles more than I fear the Burner (? really, the Burner; time for a new nickname).
So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.
his FB referred to him as "fatboy" at on point
"I kinda just sling it" -Jake
by bleed_in_blue on Oct 15, 2011 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Are you kidding.
Somebody asked Steve Reed on twitter if we could get a 3rd round pick for clausen before tuesday. I think we would have to give up the 3rd for someone to take him.
First post Accident hit enter because i was laughing so hard at this guys suggestion.
by cpanthersareback on Oct 14, 2011 5:31 PM EDT reply actions
You'd be surprised at what someone will offer for a QB.
I doubt we’d get a 3rd for him…but we could definitely get a conditional pick if someone wanted him bad enough.
BTW, welcome to CSR!
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.
Is that what he is? A QB. He could have fooled me.
Thanks never realized how easy it is to sign up.
by cpanthersareback on Oct 14, 2011 5:37 PM EDT reply actions
A free tip for you since you're new...
If you use the reply button, it’s easier to follow conversations.
You can also find more information about how to use CSR by reading this.
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.
Haha i bet Sam... I mean Sarah Jessica Parker will give
Him a free tip :)
"What up? We're three cool guys looking for other cool guys who wanna hang out in our party mansion. Nothing sexual. Dudes in good shape encouraged. If you're fat, you should be able to find humor in the little things." Again, NOTHING SEXUAL
"I'd rather jerk off a tiger in a phone booth than draft Cam"
-Mel Kiper, Jr.
you guys are like a bunch of pirahnas
by chop goes da weazel on Mar 31, 2011 12:32 PM PDT
by MikeTrain on Oct 14, 2011 7:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Steve Jobs is dead.....
"What up? We're three cool guys looking for other cool guys who wanna hang out in our party mansion. Nothing sexual. Dudes in good shape encouraged. If you're fat, you should be able to find humor in the little things." Again, NOTHING SEXUAL
"I'd rather jerk off a tiger in a phone booth than draft Cam"
-Mel Kiper, Jr.
you guys are like a bunch of pirahnas
by chop goes da weazel on Mar 31, 2011 12:32 PM PDT
by MikeTrain on Oct 14, 2011 7:38 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
In light of my high school team just winning an epic game,
I’m going to go with a similar prediction here, 65 yard drive, capped by a 40 yard field goal to tie, then a 23 – 20 win in overtime (:
"A warning; to the people, the good and the evil. This is war."
by Thaddeus_Griffin on Oct 15, 2011 1:19 AM EDT reply actions

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