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Atlanta Falcons

A Look Ahead: Falcons

Game Breakdowns, Prime Cuts with Norris

Panthers
At
Falcons
1:00

Well, that was a bad loss. So bad, that it cost Ron Rivera his job. We would like to thank Coach Rivera for everything he’s contributed to the team and wish him luck in the future. There’s no doubt that he will be a solid head coach elsewhere. Now, let’s look ahead to the falcons:

Atlanta Falcons

Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator 

Dan Quinn

Offensive Coordinator 

Dirk Koetter

Key Acquisitions 

DE Adrian Clayborn

DT Allen Bailey

S Jonathan Cyprien

Key Losses

S Keanu Neal (IR)

S Jonathan Cyprien (IR)

WR Muhammed Sanu (Traded)

CB Justin Bethel

RB Tevin Coleman

RB Ito Smith (IR)

Key Draft Picks

G Chris Lindstrom

OT Kaleb McGary

The Falcons have only won three games this year, but one of those wins came against Carolina. This time around, they’ll have Devonte Freeman back, so they’ll look to run against the Panthers’ porous rush defense.

Carolina Panthers

Head Coach(Interim)

Perry Fewell

Offensive Coordinator

Scott Turner (Norv Turner is Special Assistant to Head Coach)

Defensive Coordinator

Eric Washington

Key Acquisitions

C Matt Paradis

LB Bruce Irvin

CB Javien Elliott

WR Chris Hogan

DT Gerald McCoy

S Tre Boston

K Joey Slye

Key Losses

QB Cam Newton (IR)

DE/DT Kawann Short (IR)

DT/NT Dontari Poe (IR)

LG Greg Van Roten (IR)

K Graham Gano (IR)

LB Thomas Davis

C Ryan Kalil

DE Julius Peppers

Key Draft Picks

DE Brian Burns

OT Greg Little

OT Dennis Daley

It’s been a long, hard road for Carolina this year. With all the injuries and the defensive scheme changes, it’s been too much to bare. It’s not all bad news, though. Of the eight losses that Carolina has, five of those were lost by one touchdown or less. That’s definitely something to build on for next season. Although, this team will probably look a lot different in 2020-21.

Things To Watch

Carolina

Kyle Allen had his ups and downs on Sunday, but couldn’t lead the team to a win with any last second heroics. Allen hasn’t done well this year when playing outdoors, so playing on turf this Sunday should suit Allen’s strengths. Allen will need to go through his progressions faster and get the ball out quicker against Atlanta, if he wants to win this game. New offensive coordinator, Scott Turner, will no doubt have some new wrinkles up his sleeve, as he auditions for the job on a more permanent basis. Hopefully, the protection up front will give Allen a little more time to find the open receiver.

Christian McCaffrey was held in check on Sunday, but that’s mainly because Carolina abandoned the run when started losing. This was only the third game this season in which McCaffrey was held without a touchdown. Atlanta is in the middle of the pack against the run, as they are ranked 16th and allowing 108.6 yards per game. CMC will be used early and often, and he will be used heavily in the passing game as well. Look for a lot of misdirection plays this weekend. Also, with the lack of protection, look for a few screen passes to McCaffrey.

DJ Moore continues to impress fans, as he grows into the number one receiver role. Both him and Samuel had touchdowns on Sunday, showcasing their ability to get separation. (Wright showed he could open too, on the last play of the game) The Panther receivers will get their chance to make plays on Sunday against the 26th ranked pass defense. Scott Turner is calling plays, so there’s no telling what he has up his sleeve. There will likely be a lot of short routes to get the ball out of Allen’s hand faster. With Greg Olsen out, Ian Thomas will have an increased role in the offense on Sunday.

The Panthers’ defense just continues to get gashed on the ground. This is caused by a few things, but it all comes down to missed assignments and lack of gap discipline. Some of it is the offense’s inability to sustain long drives, because the defense is spending the majority of the game on the field. Three and outs hurt the defense. This week, we don’t know who will calling the defensive plays, as Ron Rivera has been calling them since the middle of last year. Interim Head Coach, Perry Fewell, won a Super Bowl with the Giants as their defensive coordinator, so I’m betting he will call the plays. Hard to tell what kind of game he will call, but I think he will have the guys getting in their gaps and playing better. Brian Burns will likely play a lot more this Sunday, and they’ll need him at his best if they want to pressure Ryan.

Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan has been pretty solid this year, and burned the Panthers in their last meeting. He will likely be getting his tight end, Austin Hooper, back after being out for the past few weeks. Atlanta is second in the league in passing yards per game, at 295.6 yards per game. With weapons like Julio Jones and Austin Hooper, he could have another big game this Sunday. Don’t sleep on the Carolina pass defense, who has shown the ability to lock down passing games at times.

Devonte Freeman was absent the first time around, but he will be a full go on Sunday. Barring any defensive improvements by Carolina, Freeman could have a big day. Carolina has had trouble all year against misdirection running plays, so Atlanta will try to expose that deficiency.

Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Austin Hooper have been really good this year. This trio can be very dangerous when they’re hot. The Atlanta receivers beat Carolina with a lot of deep routes last time, so they’ll look to do that again.

The Falcons defense hasn’t been good the majority of the year, but they’ve gotten better as of late. Their pass rush has woken up and pressured the quarterback a lot lately. That’ll be the key to them winning. If they can pressure Allen, it’ll rattle him and he will make mistakes. Although, Allen has been really good in games played in domes.

Keys to a Carolina Victory

• Run the ball early and often. Get McCaffrey going. He’s a volume runner. Give him the ball. He should be able to do work against this defense.

• Pressure Ryan. If Carolina gets consistent pressure, it could be a long day for Matty Ice.

• Protect the ball. No turnovers!

• Contain Devonte Freeman.

• Maintain gap discipline on defense.

• Utilize McCaffrey heavily one the passing game.

• Win the time of possession battle. The offense needs to sustain long SCORING drives to keep the defense fresh and take the pressure off of them.

• Allen needs to read the defense faster. Allen has been a one read quarterback for most of the season, but he needs to go through his progressions just a little faster.

Key Matchups

• McCaffrey VS Falcons defensive line

• Samuel/Moore VS Falcons secondary

• Bradberry VS Jones

• Carolina’s pass rush VS Ryan

• Freeman VS Carolina’s defensive line

• Carolina offensive line VS Atlanta defensive line

Injury Report

Carolina

Greg Little OUT

Greg Olsen OUT

Atlanta

Ty Sambrailo OUT

James Carpenter OUT

Carolina takes a huge hit with Greg Olsen and Greg Little out this weekend. Dennis Daley and Ian Thomas will be their replacements. Atlanta will be without two offensive linemen, but it shouldn’t affect their passing game much.

Prediction

Atlanta whooped Carolina in their last meeting, but this time the game is in a dome. Kyle Allen thrives indoors, as he’s had 9 touchdowns and no interceptions in those games. Carolina will look like a much different team, as they’ll win 30-24 in Atlanta. Half of Panther Nation will cheer and the other half will be upset at losing draft positioning. Christian McCaffrey will go off and have 230 total yards and 2 touchdowns. The Carolina defense will smother Devonte Freeman and only allow 65 yards rushing. This will be a statement win for Perry Fewell, as he’s interviewing for a coaching position. Keep Pounding, Panther fans!

Filed Under: Game Breakdowns, Prime Cuts with Norris Tagged With: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Christian McCaffrey, Julio Jones, Kyle Allen

DIVISION RIVALRIES: Falcons

Prime Cuts with Norris

The rivalry between the Panthers and Falcons is one of the biggest in the NFL. The rivalry was dubbed “I-85 Rivalry” due to the teams being four hours apart down Interstate 85. The two teams have been rivals since Carolina’s inaugural year in 1995, as they were both in the NFC West division. In 2002, both teams were placed in the NFC South division, where they still play today.

The Panthers and Falcons have played in 48 regular season games and Atlanta leads the series 30-18. Even though Atlanta has 12 more wins than Carolina, the point totals are a little closer than one might think. In their rivalry, Atlanta has scored 1,028 points and Carolina has scored 943 points. That’s not a huge difference in points when you consider that former Falcons’ quarterback, Michael Vick, used to dominate the Panthers in nearly every meeting. Carolina has swept Atlanta three times in 1997, 2005 and 2013. Atlanta has swept Carolina nine times in 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2011, 2016 and 2018.

NFC WEST

The first meeting between the Panthers and Falcons came on September 3, 1995, in Atlanta. In Carolina’s first every regular season game, the Panthers took it into overtime, where the Falcons won by a field goal. The Panthers started fast, as they took a 13-3 lead in the first quarter. Not to be outdone, Atlanta scored ten points in the second quarter to tie it up. Atlanta then scored a touchdown in the third quarter to take the lead. In the fourth quarter, Carolina quarterback, Frank Reich, threw a 44 yard touchdown to Willie Green to tie it up. In overtime, Atlanta’s kicker, Morten Anderson, sealed the victory with a 35 yard field goal. Carolina was led by Frank Reich, who threw for 329 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Willie Green has 7 receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown. Mark Carrier had 5 catches for 96 yards and 0 touchdowns. Atlanta was led by Jeff George, who threw for 290 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception (by Carolina’s safety Brett Maxie). Atlanta’s receiving trio of Terrance Mathis, Eric Metcalf and Bert Emanuel had a combined 270 yards and 2 touchdowns. After losing the first game in the rivalry, Carolina would only win 5 out of the next 13 games against Atlanta while in the NFC West.

In 2001, the Falcons drafted a quarterback named Michael Vick from Virginia Tech with the first overall pick. Vick was considered one of the most dynamic athletes ever drafted, and he gave Carolina headaches from the moment he was drafted, mainly on the ground. Atlanta swept Carolina in Vick’s rookie year, even though he only played one game against Carolina once and only threw two passes.

NFC South 2002-2010

In 2002, the NFL realigned the division after the addition of the Houston Texans, who were an expansion team. The NFC South was born and the Panthers and Falcons remained rivals in that division. The Falcons would win six out of 10 games with Vick at the helm from 2002 to 2006. In 2006, Vick would become the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards. In his six years with the Falcons, Vick had 1,493 yards, 6 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in ten games against the Panthers. He also had 485 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground. Not huge stats from a guy who torched Carolina on more than one occasion. He was such a pain for Carolina, that they drafted hybrid linebacker, Thomas Davis, specifically to spy on Vick.

In August of 2007, Vick plead guilty to federal charges of dog fighting and was suspended from the NFL. He went to prison shortly thereafter. After a year of Joey Harrington at quarterback, Atlanta drafted Matt Ryan. In the four years after Vick, Atlanta would win five out of eight games.

Meanwhile, Jake Delhomme was the quarterback for Carolina until 2009. Jake has his struggles towards the end of his career after having Tommy John surgery in 2007. After Vinny Testaverde and Matt Moore played quarterback for the Panthers, they decided to go a different direction at quarterback in 2010. Carolina drafted quarterback, Jimmy Clausen, in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft. That season, Carolina only won two games, which gave them the number one pick of the 2011 draft.

Cam Newton Era

2010 was a tough season for Panther Nation, but it awarded them the number one pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Carolina selected their own duel threat quarterback, Cam Newton. Cam brought the excitement back to the Carolinas, and has had a lot of high scoring battles against the Falcons.

Since Cam was drafted, the Panthers are 6-10 against the Falcons. One of those losses came last season with Taylor Heinicke under center. The I-85 Rivalry has had some close games, and some blow outs. Despite the Falcons having 10 wins over Carolina, the Panthers have outscored Atlanta 368-359 since 2011. Also, the Falcons blew a 25 point lead in the Super Bowl.

In 2018, Atlanta placed second in the division with a record of 7-9. They didn’t have a whole lot of salary cap to work with, but here are some notable transactions:

Signed DE Adrian Clayborn

Signed DT Allen Bailey

Drafted G Chris Lindstrom

Drafted OT Kaleb McGary

Carolina upgraded their roster significantly this offseason and they should have a good chance at beating the Falcons. Carolina will look to build on the promising start they had in 2018, where they started 6-2. Marty Hurney transformed the Carolina roster during the offseason, so there was a lot of roster turnover. Carolina’s notable transactions:

Released CB Captain Munnerlyn

Re-signed S Eric Reid

Signed C Matt Paradis

Re-signed OT Daryl Williams

Signed DE/OLB Bruce Irvin

Signed WR Chris Hogan

Re-signed DT Kyle Love

Drafted DE/OLB Brian Burns

Drafted OT Greg Little

Signed WR Aldrick Robinson

Signed CB Javien Elliott

Signed DT Gerald McCoy

Signed S Tre Boston

Hurney was busy this offseason and the Panthers appear to be in win-now mode. Hopefully, it translates into wins on the field in 2019.

What to Expect in 2019

The expectations for the Panthers in the upcoming season, is to split the series with the Falcons. It’s entirely possible that Carolina will sweep Atlanta, given their vastly improved roster. These two teams battle hard whenever they meet, and it is always fun to watch. Here is a comparison of key players for both teams:

PANTHERS
CAR
ATL
FALCONS
Cam
Newton
✓
Matt
Ryan
Christian
McCaffrey
✓
Devonta
Freeman
Curtis
Samuel
✓
Julio
Jones
Greg
Olsen
✓
Austin
Hooper
Defense
✓
Defense

Cam Newton

VS

Drew Brees

In 14 games, Newton threw for 3,395 yards, 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2018. It should be noted that that Cam played injured from week nine to week fourteen.

In 16 games, Ryan threw for 4,924 yards, 35 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in 2018.

As hard as this is to type, Matt Ryan was really good last year, and has been fairly consistent throughout his career. He has passed for 5,996 yards, 36 touchdowns and 16 interceptions for Atlanta in 22 games against the Carolina. In the last five years, Ryan has the most yards per attempt in the NFL. Newton has 3,241 yards, 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 15 games against Atlanta. Cam also has 721 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns in the same time frame. Unfortunately, Matt Ryan takes this one by a hair. This could change in 2019, as Carolina will have a healthy Cam Newton with a bevy of weapons and improved offensive line. 

Christian McCaffrey

VS

Devonta Freeman

Last season, McCaffrey had 219 carries for 1,098 yards (5.0 AVG per carry) and 7 touchdowns in 16 games. He also had 107 receptions for 867 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Last season, Freeman had 14 carries for 68 yards (4.9 AVG per carry) due to an injury. In week one, he sustained a knee bruise and missed three games. Then, a sports hernia ended his season.

McCaffrey wins this by a mile. Not to say Freeman isn’t a good running back, but he doesn’t have the upside that McCaffrey does. Atlanta hopes that Freeman has a bounce back year, but it won’t be enough to knock CMC out of first place. 

Curtis Samuel

VS

Julio Jones

Last season, Samuel had 39 receptions for 494 touchdowns and 5 touchdowns in 13 games. He missed time due to injury and it took time for him to become more integrated into the offense when he returned.

Last season, Quintorris Lopez (Julio) Jones had 113 receptions for 1,677 yards and 8 touchdowns in 16 games.

Jones has been a model of dominance and consistency throughout his career. Last year was no different, so Jones wins this by a landslide. It’s hard to tell what Samuel will do based on his injury history. Samuel could very well have a dominant season based on what everyone saw in training camp, but it remains to be seen if he will surpass Jones in 2019. 

Greg Olsen

VS

Austin Hooper

Olsen, who has had trouble staying healthy the last two years, only had 27 receptions for 291 yards and 4 touchdowns last season, in 9 games. Hopefully, he can stay healthy and get back to his Pro Bowl level, but there are no guarantees.

Last season, Hooper had 71 receptions, 660 yards and 4 touchdowns in 16 games.

Hooper has done well in Atlanta’s offense, but he isn’t the red zone threat that Olsen is. Olsen wins this based on him being completely healthy (he’s stated publicly that this is the first time he’s been 100% in two years), his blocking and his red zone dominance. Hopefully, Olsen will remain healthy and give Cam that safety net that he’s missed.

Panthers’ Defense

VS

Falcons’ Defense

Last season, Carolina’s defense was in the middle of the league, as they allowed the 15th most yards per game and the 19th most points per game.

Last season, Atlanta’s defense was towards the bottom of the league, as they  were 28th in yards allowed and 8th in most points allowed.

Carolina’s defense should be much improved this year, with the additions of Gerald McCoy, Bruce Irvin, Brian Burns, Tre Boston and Javien Elliott. Carolina will also have a multi-look defense instead of a base 4-3 like in year’s past, so it will be interesting to see how much of a pass rush will be generated this season. Atlanta upgraded their defensive line, but it likely won’t be enough to make much of a difference. Carolina wins this matchup with ease. 

If Carolina stays relatively healthy, they should at least split the series with Atlanta. Judging by how poorly Atlanta did last year, it’s not impossible for Carolina to sweep Atlanta. It could honestly go either way, but Carolina has the talent to retake their throne atop of the NFC South.

Filed Under: Prime Cuts with Norris Tagged With: Atlanta Falcons, Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers, Curtis Samuel, Matt Ryan

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