The Panthers really struggled big time in their last game on Thursday night against the Giants, but they get an extra couple of games to prepare for a huge divisional game against the Falcons who are on fire. I actually think this game will be close. Remember last year the Panthers were tied in the 14th quarter at 17 with the Falcons and their are a lot of things that align for the Panthers to give the Falcons a little scare here today.
For on the Falcons defense is getting too much respect. For one they are 24th allowing 128.7 ypg on the ground and 31st allowing 5.0 yards per carry and it seems obvious that Carolina curtails their offensive scheme to the weakness of the defense they are facing rather than their strength (which is running the ball). That's why I like Carolina today because they will be doing what they do best. It helps big time that they will be getting their Tackle back in Bell and Johnathan Stewart giving them a third weapon for attacking the Falcons weakness. Carolina has only one game where they have rushed it over 20 times ironically that was their only win against New Orleans. Look for them to get back to that against the Falcons and that should allow them to keep it out of Matt Ryan's hands.
Lastly The Falcons are 31st in allowing opponents to convert on third down allowing 51.28 % conversions. Carolina isn't much better at 46%, but once again this is too many points for a divisional game especially when the Falcons still have a lot of question marks as they are also 30th in red zone TD%. When Cam Newton gets down there he should be able to score TD's. At the end of the day I think the Falcons may be getting a little cocky and the Panthers just got humbled which I think is what needed to happen to Newton. I expect them to bounce back especially with the extra preparation.
