Carolina Panthers

Panthers: NFC South Overview - Week 4

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

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How did teams from the NFC South Division fare during Week Four of the NFL season and how it relates to the Carolina Panthers…

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers defense was exploited time and again on Sunday as the Panthers dropped two straight for the first time since 2014. Facing uncertainty regarding the health of quarterback Cam Newton, the Panthers prepare for a prime time divisional game against Tampa Bay next Monday night.

The only divisional game on the schedule this week, Atlanta remains the leader completing their first round of divisional contests at 2-1. The Saints will be the first to enjoy a bye week after recording their first victory of the season in San Diego.

Continue to view each teams’ outcome and a preview of the week ahead.

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper (81) celebrates his touchdown catch in the third quarter of their game against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

ATLANTA FALCONS (3-1)

Week 4 Outcome: Falcons 48, Panthers 33

Week 5 Opponent: at Denver Broncos (4-0), 4:05pm

Matt Ryan and Julio Jones became the first quarterback and wide receiver combination in history to record 300-yards receiving and over 500-yards passing on Sunday against Carolina. Time and again Jones caught passes deep down the field or on short slant routes and exploited the Panthers’ secondary. After dropping their initial divisional game to Tampa Bay, Atlanta has responded by winning three in a row, including two against both the Saints and Panthers.

Atlanta’s high powered offense faces another test next week as the Falcons travel to the defending Super Bowl Champions, Denver Broncos. Currently sitting atop the division, a win next week would not only maintain their lead but send a message resonating around the entire league.

Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is sacked by Denver Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1-3)

Week 4 Outcome: Buccaneers 7, Broncos 27

Week 5 Opponent: at Carolina Panthers, 8:30pm (Monday Night Football)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a win over the division leading Atlanta Falcons, but have struggled since. After another weather delay in Tampa, the Broncos defense tormented quarterback Jameis Winston all night and Denver won despite losing quarterback Trevor Siemian during the game. The Bucs may be facing another backup quarterback next week in Charlotte depending on the recovery of Cam Newton from a concussion.

A pivotal Monday Night Football game awaits both the Buccaneers and Panthers during Week Five with the winner grabbing control of second place.

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) walks off of the field after getting injured in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-3)

Week 4 Outcome: Panthers 33, Falcons 48

Week 5 Opponent: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:30pm (Monday Night Football)

Looking to maintain their control of the division as three-time NFC South Champions, the Panthers confidence took a hit on Sunday. After the Atlanta Falcons handed the Panthers their only regular season defeat a season ago, Carolina returned to the Georgia Dome for another loss, their second in a row. Possibly even more concerning than the current 1-3 record is the health of Cam Newton who exited Sunday’s game and was entered into the league’s concussion protocol.

Derek Anderson filled in for Newton last week and could be asked to start against Tampa Bay on Monday night, should Newton remain sidelined. Anderson has started two games in Carolina as Newton’s backup, both victories against the Buccaneers.

Oct 2, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) celebrates after a touchdown during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. New Orleans won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-3)

Week 4 Outcome: Saints 35, Chargers 34

Week 5 Opponent: BYE

The Saints finally broke into the win column this week with a victory over the San Diego Chargers. Despite trailing by 13 with approximately five minutes remaining, New Orleans capitalized on two turnovers and secured the one-point win.

An early bye week is often considered misfortune as teams and coaches prefer to have a break located more toward the middle of the season. However, the bye week here will benefit a Saints team that has been riddled with injury. Facing a divisional opponent in the Carolina Panthers on the other side of their break will be beneficial for the Saints should everyone return healthy with the added rest.

Expect the Saints’ defense to be more competitive following the bye week as Drew Brees and company continue to put up impressive numbers on offense.