The Carolina Panthers clinched a berth in the 2017 NFL playoffs in dramatic fashion last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. What was probably even more dramatic was how much the offense struggled against a seemingly inferior defensive opponent. This week, the task will be tougher, but the stakes are far higher for our opponent and divisional rival.
The Atlanta Falcons teeter on the edge of playoff eligibility. Win and they are in. Lose, and the likelihood of making it in is slim at best. The Panthers, meanwhile, have a shot at a number of seeding options provided things fall their way. The team will need to consider this the final dress rehearsal before the big dance, and must prove that last week was simply a fluke on offense.
- Don’t take the Falcons lightly: The Falcons defense, at least numbers and ranking wise is actually pretty good. They rank 10th in overall defense (323 yards per game) and most importantly, rank 8th in rush defense (105 yards per game allowed). As we saw last week divisional games are never easy, and the Falcons are not going to be pushovers, especially with so much on the line.
- Strength on strength: Last week, the Panthers had their lowest rushing totals since their week 13 loss to the New Orleans Saints, garnering only 115 yards on the ground. As mentioned before, the greatest facet of the Falcons defense is their rush defense. In the last three weeks, the Falcons rush defense has met the challenge, allowing over 100 yards only once in the last five weeks. The Panthers really need guard Trai Turner back in a big way this week, assuming he is healed from his concussion.
- Make a new Byrd from Clay: The loss of upstart and easy to root for wide receiver Damiere Byrd is big. Byrd’s kickoff return for a touchdown was huge last week, and his receiving threat the week before was just as needed. With him going down to IR, wide receiver Kaelin Clay will need to step up in his stead. Clay’s play on the game winning drive last week was definitely encouraging, and we will need more of that this week and beyond.
- Run CMC part deux: In our first 2017 interaction with the Falcons, running back Christian McCaffrey had one of his better performances as a pro, with 66 yards on the ground and a touchdown, with another 28 through the air. McCaffrey has been up and down most of the season, but offensive coordinator Mike Shula needs to get him and his speed more involved with yet another injury to our slim “speedy” wide receiver bunch.
This will be an odd game, as a win could mean us getting the second seed or simply staying put at the five seed. In all honesty, this game will mean more to the Falcons, as they will be playing for their playoff lives. For many Panthers fans, us winning and knocking out the Falcons from playoff contention would be worth the trouble. It might be the same way for the coaching staff and players on the team.