The Carolina Panthers are entering a critical phase of their season with a 5-5 record and three games left before their bye week. They face a significant division rival in the Atlanta Falcons, and securing a victory is essential for their playoff aspirations.
As reported by NFL.com, the Panthers currently have a mere 14% chance of making the postseason. Given these challenging odds, several crucial factors must align for Carolina to secure a win this week.
Preparation Needs Improvement
According to left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, the team”s preparation last week was lacking. Players were distracted by off-field issues, which hindered their ability to follow the game plan. This resulted in repeated plays needing to be re-explained, and a lack of accountability was evident among team leaders. The consequence was a poor performance on game day, characterized by missed blocks, incorrect alignments, and overall failure to execute. Head Coach Dave Canales acknowledged that it is his responsibility to rectify this situation, emphasizing the correlation between practice quality and performance. He must instill a consistent preparation routine, as the process is critical for success.
Relying on a Strong Running Game
The Panthers have a proven track record of winning when they rush for over 100 yards. The target for this week is 4.5 yards per carry. They also have a perfect record when they control time of possession. In their recent comeback against Miami, they effectively managed the ball, allowing their defense to rest and wearing down the Dolphins. To succeed in Atlanta, they must keep the crowd subdued and minimize their defense”s time on the field. The Falcons rank 29th in rushing defense, setting the stage for a productive outing from running backs Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard, particularly as Hubbard approaches full health. A strong rushing attack will be crucial as the season progresses, especially in the later months when a physical game can wear down opponents.
Expectations for Bryce Young
Playing in a dome eliminates weather concerns, providing an opportunity for quarterback Bryce Young to stretch the field. The Falcons are aware of the Panthers” strengths, so Carolina must enable Young to take shots downfield. Last week, he did not complete any passes beyond 10 yards, and this pattern needs to change. Even though Atlanta”s pass defense is ranked first in the league, they recently allowed over 250 yards to rookie quarterback Drake Maye. This matchup will serve as a significant benchmark for Young”s development as he aims to meet the expectations that accompany being the No. 1 overall pick.
Defensive Challenges Ahead
Currently, the Panthers” defense ranks in the middle of the pack, standing 12th in scoring defense, 17th in rushing defense, and 15th in passing defense. However, they excel in the red zone, ranking 6th, as demonstrated in their recent game against Green Bay where they forced field goals instead of touchdowns. While being average can be seen as a step up from last season”s struggles, significant progress is evident under Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero. In his second year, Evero has encouraged his players to take ownership, resulting in improved communication and understanding among the unit. With healthy stars like Derrick Brown and Jaycee Horn, alongside new contributors, the defense is better equipped to face a Falcons team seeking revenge after being shut out in their previous encounter.
This pivotal matchup against the Falcons will test the Panthers” resolve and ability to respond to adversity. With playmakers like Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, and Drake London on the opposing side, the Panthers must showcase leadership, consistency, and preparation to advance in both their division and playoff standings. The lessons learned from these challenges could be foundational for their future success.
