The Panthers will be hosting the Falcons this week in their third NFC South game of the year. A win should keep them afloat in a crowded wild card race, but a loss might effectively sink any realistic hope of making the postseason.
Here are four key matchups we will be watching on Sunday.
Panthers’ backup corners vs. Calvin Ridley
James Bradberry missed last week’s game against the Packers, but he’s expected to play and should be able to hold his own against Julio Jones. However, Donte Jackson and Ross Cockrell might both be ruled out, which would leave Carolina rather thin at cornerback. That means Cole Luke and Corn Elder could both see significant playing time. With tight end Austin Hooper out, it will leave Atlanta’s options on offense very limited if they can shut down Ridley. In his two meetings with the Panthers last season, Ridley totaled 154 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He only needed seven catches to get those numbers.
The amazing disappearing run defense vs. Brian Hill
The Panthers’ run defense has been in decline ever since Kawann Short went on injured reserve. The problems go much deeper than just one player’s absence, though. Ron Rivera’s 3-4 defensive scheme has often put his front seven out of position to make stops and their discipline is generally lacking. The Falcons are down to their No. 3 running back with Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith both out with injuries. If Carolina can’t slow down Brian Hill and Atlanta’s No. 25-ranked rushing offense in DVOA, then the run defense may be irreparably broken.
Mario Addison, Brian Burns vs. Jake Matthews, Kaleb McGary
The Panthers come into this week leading the NFL in sacks with 36. However, the Falcons have two tough offensive tackles in Pro Bowler Jake Matthews and first-round pick Kaleb McGary and Carolina’s top two edge rushers have been slowing down of late. Mario Addison only has half a sack over his last three games and Brian Burns has seen his playing time dwindle a lot recently – he played just 11 snaps against the Packers. Wrist injury or no, coach Ron Rivera needs to get Burns back on the field more and find a way to get Addison going again.
Norv Turner vs. Falcons’ defensive-coordinator-by-committee
Norv Turner has done a brilliant job orchestrating the offense this year despite having Cam Newton out and some serious pass protection issues to work around. He’ll need to be on his A-game against a new-look Atlanta defense. After a disastrous start to the season, Falcons coach Dan Quinn wisely gave up defensive play-calling duties recently. Now, linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich calls the shots on first and second downs and Raheem Morris calls plays on third down and in two-minute situations. It might seem like a strange arrangement, but it certainly worked last week in New Orleans when they held the Saints to just nine points.
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