Carolina Panthers

Panthers Game Day: Atlanta Falcons - Week 4

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Looking to remind everyone that the NFC South’s top team remains the Carolina Panthers, a three game divisional stretch begins Sunday in Atlanta…

The Carolina Panthers are currently 1-2, sporting a losing record for the first time since 2014 and having already suffered the same amount of losses from an entire season last year. Opposite them on Sunday will be the Atlanta Falcons, who currently sit alone in first place and will be looking to impose a ‘changing of the guard’ atop the NFC South division.

Atlanta boasts an offense putting up impressive numbers across the board early in the season. Critics have pointed out that the Falcons have played only Tampa Bay, Oakland, and New Orleans; all teams near the bottom of the league in both total yards and points allowed. However, there is no denying that quarterback Matt Ryan has been sharp, distributing the ball to any and all play makers.

Most recently, the focus has been to key on wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Devonta Freeman. While both have been effective at different times, Atlanta has also used multiple other individuals to move the football. Coach Ron Rivera addressed the passing attack on Wednesday, “This is an astounding number to see, eight or nine guys catching the ball. It just shows you that they’ve got a good group of guys that they roll in there.”

2016 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-2) at ATLANTA FALCONS (2-1)

KICKOFF: 1:00 PM EDT

TV: FOX

LOCATION: GEORGIA DOME

WEATHER: INDOOR

LAST MEETING: 20-13, ATL – Dec. 27, 2015

Dec 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

KEY MATCH-UP: ATLANTA DEFENSIVE LINE vs. CAROLINA OFFENSIVE LINE

Atlanta’s difficulty to administer pressure on opposing quarterbacks has carried over from last season. In 2015, the Falcons only reached Cam Newton four times in two games, but one was the strip-sack to seal the victory in Atlanta by Vic Beasley. This year, Newton has been sacked 12 times in three games, resulting in two losses. Atlanta’s key to victory lies in making Newton uncomfortable in the pocket.

While some of Newton’s sacks were the result of lapses along the offensive line, others have come as a result of his own indecision. “[Cam’s] just going to have to learn that sometimes you can’t hold it that long. You just have to dump it and we’ll wind it up another time. He wants to win. He wants to make things happen. He’s very competitive,” Rivera said.

Carolina is 1-2 after facing quarterbacks Trevor Siemian, Blaine Gabbert, and Sam Bradford. Due in large part to dominating defensive play from Denver and Minnesota, the Panthers will face an opposite style of attack on Sunday. Ryan leads a versatile offense in a matchup that will test both his capabilities and that of the Carolina defense. Opposite, the Carolina offense will look to get on track facing the young Atlanta defense.

A year ago, the Panthers embarrassed the Falcons with a 38-0, shutout victory. Two weeks later Atlanta handed Carolina their only regular season loss. A divisional rivalry will be renewed and it should be exciting throughout. Carolina should generate enough offense to hold off a high powered attack from the Falcons to win the first of three consecutive divisional games.

PREDICTION: PANTHERS – 34, Falcons – 31