Carolina Panthers

Panthers vs. Falcons: What to Watch For

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

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Dec 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) carries the ball past Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers will hit the road on Sunday for their first divisional matchup of the year against the Falcons: Here’s a few things to keep an eye on.

After a disappointing home loss in Week 3, the Carolina Panthers hit the road for their first divisional matchup of the year against their heated rival Atlanta Falcons.

The Panthers will travel to the Georgia Dome on Sunday for the first time since the Falcons ended their quest for perfection last year in Week 15.

This time around, Atlanta is the one riding high after a solid start to the year while Carolina appears somewhat shaky so far in this young season.

Off to a 2-1 start, the Falcons offense is lighting it up on all fronts and the number four passing offense (312-ypg), the number five rushing offense (136-ypg) and the number one overall offense in terms of yards per game with 448.

The Panthers offense still ranks solidly so far as well but certainly faltered at the hands of a premiere defense like the Vikings. Defensively is where all eyes should be this game as the Carolina defense, which has been relatively inconsistent to this point, attempts to stop Matt Ryan and the high flying Falcons.

And here’s what to keep an eye on.

Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) sits on the ground after being sacked for a safety in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Protecting #1

One of the Panthers biggest offensive issues last week was the lack of protection for Cam Newton throughout much of the contest. The Vikings sacked Newton a total of eight times on the day and kept the reigning MVP off balanced and unable to execute much of anything.

Even against one of the worst pass rushing defense’s in the league the Panthers will be tested. Starting left tackle Michael Oher was a surprise list on the injury report after experiencing concussion-like symptoms and has been ruled out for Sunday’s game leaving the team with even more limited options than before.

Right now the plan appears to be to shift Mike Remmers over from the right side and insert second-year player Daryl Williams as the starting right tackle. Remmers has never played here before and has had some protection issues of his own recently so this switch is no sure things.

Regardless, stopping Falcons pass rushers Vic Beasley and Dwight Freeney will be a priority for Carolina offensively and before anything else they must make sure they can keep Newton upright to even give him a chance.

Dec 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) yells at the line of scrimmage against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Shut Down Falcons O

As mentioned earlier, the Falcons have the best offensive in terms of yards per game up to this point in the season and although they have yet to face a defense (Tampa Bay, Oakland, New Orleans) the likes of which Carolina rolls out, their confidence is high and they could still do some damage.

Luckily for the Panthers, they’re coming off of their best defensive performance yet this year as they held the Vikings to less than 250 yards of total offense and gave up just one touchdown drive.

Of course, Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman and company are a whole new threat. And one that the Panthers will absolutely need to take out early if they hope to take a victory in their first divisional game of the season.

With James Bradberry likely shadowing Jones in this one the Panthers will need to get more out of their pass rushers. Even though Bradberry shut down Stefon Diggs last week, the rookie will need as much help as he can get against one of the league’s premiere receiving talents.

The key against Falcons backs Freeman and Tevin Coleman will be as always, the play of linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis who to this point have done a solid job of shutting down the oppositions run game.

Even on the road, the first divisional matchup is one the Panthers are looking to grab and in a division that could be even more cut throat this year, any win you can get is a big one.