NFL Week 4: Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons

Wide-open NFC South looks for the next champion

Panthers vs. Falcons Overview:

The NFC South has always been an unpredictable NFL Division that sees the rankings and champions switch often and without reason. The NFC South is again up for grabs, and a pair of contenders is starting to emerge. Both the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons had poor years in 2007 and were written off in the offseason. Both have made great strides and are entering week 4 of the NFL season with 2-1 records. With momentum on the line, both teams will be going for broke.

Carolina Panthers Offense:

The arrival of rookie RB Jonathan Stewart has changed the Carolina Panthers offense from a dynamic passing attack to a vicious ground-n-pound team. The powerful Jonathan Stewart teams with speedy RB DeAngelo Williams to make a great one-two punch in the backfield. QB Jake Delhomme has been inconsistent, but the return of superstar WR Steve Smith should add another dimension to the passing game. Rookie OT Jeff Otah was another key acquisition in the offseason that turned the Carolina Panthers offense around.

Carolina Panthers Defense:

Defensive end Julius Peppers is entering a contract year and is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. A freak in strength and speed, Julius Peppers is a nightmare for any offensive tackle in the game. MLB Jon Beason was a rookie sensation in 2007 and looks to be a monster in 2008. Even at a young age Jon Beason is the leader of the Carolina Panthers defense. CB Chris Gamble is a shutdown corner and will be haunting Matt Ryan all day long. Rookie S Charles Godfrey has been a surprise playmaker in the Carolina Panthers defense.

Atlanta Falcons Offense:

It’s no surprise that rookie QB Matt Ryan was forced into service for the Atlanta Falcons early but he has played well and not made many rookie mistakes. RB Michael Turner should be atop Matt Ryan’s favorite persons list as he has been a beast and has taken pressure off the young QB with almost 400 yards rushing in three games. WR Roddy White has also thrown off the “bust” label with many explosive plays. The young offensive line of the Atlanta Falcons has played exceptionally well, especially rookie LT Sam Baker and second-year G Justin Blalock.

Atlanta Falcons Defense:

Defensive end John Abraham has become a quarterback nightmare thanks to the schemes of new head coach Mike Smith. Resting the All-Pro on many downs seemed controversial, but the rest has enabled John Abraham to go full tilt on passing downs resulting in six sacks and two forced fumbles. DT Grady Jackson is a load and occupies many blockers to allow rookie MLB Curtis Lofton a chance to pounce on ball carriers. Second-year CB Chris Houston is making Atlanta Falcons fans forget DeAngelo Hall with his aggressive play and clutch hands.

Carolina Panthers Keys to Victory:

Even with the volatile WR Steve Smith back in the lineup RBs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will be the keys to the Carolina Panthers offense. The Carolina Panthers reached the Super Bowl a few years ago thanks to the power run, and they will continue the tradition with this two-headed running monster. LT Jordan Gross will have his hands full with John Abraham, but a strong running game should keep the rush in check. The weakness of the Atlanta Falcons front seven is DE Jamal Anderson who has been a huge bust for the Atlanta Falcons.

Stopping Michael Turner will be the top priority for the Carolina Panthers, but that will be a tough job to say the least. The undersized defensive tackles of the Carolina Panthers must occupy blockers to allow Jon Beason to hunt down Michael Turner. S Chris Harris is on his way to being one of the hardest hitting safeties in the NFL and will be brought up in the box to stop Michael Turner. Julius Peppers will be a key asset with his deadly pass rush against the young Matt Ryan. CB Chris Gamble will be stuck on WR Roddy White like glue and should shut him down.

Atlanta Falcons Keys to Victory:

The Atlanta Falcons offense begins and ends with RB Michael Turner. A combination of speed and power makes “The Burner” a deadly weapon. FB Ovie Mughelli is a monster lead blocker and will be in charge of lighting up Jon Beason. LT Sam Baker will face a huge test in Julius Peppers but has the agility and feet to protect against the monster. Matt Ryan will need to be careful with the football but will also have to make a few big plays to get the Carolina Panthers out of the box. Matt Ryan must look elsewhere to avoid getting picked by Chris Gamble.

Stopping the Carolina Panthers running game will be the main concern for the Atlanta Falcons defense. DT Grady Jackson has to be his usual huge self to clog the running lanes. LBs Curtis Lofton and Keith Brooking also have to play their hearts out to contain Michael Turner. DE John Abraham will be moved all over the field to get a crack at QB Jake Delhomme. CB Chris Houston has the unenviable task of covering WR Steve Smith. DE Jamal Anderson can do the entire Atlanta Falcons organization a huge favor by playing up to his draft number.

Falcons vs. Panthers Outlook:

The Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers were both written off as total non-factors in the 2008-09 NFL season. Great play by young players and some coaching changes have helped bring a culture of winning and a new attitude to both squads. The Atlanta Falcons are escaping the Michael Vick fiasco and have cleaned up their locker room to field an NFL team that is an actual team and not a group of individual players.

Historically, the bottom team of the NFC South the previous season rolls to the top of the division the following season. History may bode well for the Atlanta Falcons then but probably not against the Carolina Panthers. The Atlanta Falcons have beaten two terrible teams in the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs but were routed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Any Atlanta Falcons fan can be proud of their new-look team, but the young birds need to gain more experience before they can handle the Carolina Panthers.