Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons Picks and Predictions October 13th 2024

Falcons hope they won’t need late-game magic vs. Panthers

The Atlanta Falcons are riding the wave of a successful start to the season, fueled by resilience and a knack for winning tight games. In contrast, the Carolina Panthers are still searching for answers as they prepare to host the Falcons in Charlotte on Sunday. With both teams on different trajectories, this matchup promises to be a defining moment for each side.

Falcons: Turning Close Calls into Wins

The Falcons (3-2) have made a habit of pulling out late-game victories, securing narrow wins by one or two points in three of their games. Under first-year head coach Raheem Morris, Atlanta has developed a “never blink” mentality that has served them well in high-pressure situations. Despite trailing in the final minute of several games, the Falcons have repeatedly managed to pull off clutch wins, including a thrilling 36-30 overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.

“We’ve been locked in, and our guys just don’t blink,” said Morris. “It’s been about constant improvement every week.”

The Falcons’ ability to grind out wins shows their mental toughness, but it also raises questions about their ability to dominate opponents and put games out of reach earlier. Nevertheless, their steady progress under Morris is a positive sign as the season unfolds.

Panthers: Searching for Consistency Amid Injuries

The Panthers (1-4) have struggled to find their footing in the early part of the season. After losing two straight games, they are looking for a breakthrough. Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, who took over as the starter after Week 2, has provided leadership, but Carolina’s offense has faltered, most recently in a 36-10 blowout loss to the Chicago Bears and their rookie QB, Caleb Williams.

“The players have to step up,” Dalton remarked. “There are positives with this team, but we need to start executing more consistently.”

Injuries have also been a major issue for the Panthers. Center Austin Corbett is out for the season with a torn biceps, and the status of right tackle Taylor Moton remains uncertain after an elbow injury kept him out of practice. Tight end Tommy Tremble is also in concussion protocol, further weakening Carolina’s offensive unit.

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Key Matchups to Watch

1. Kirk Cousins vs. Panthers Defense:
The Falcons’ quarterback Kirk Cousins has been a model of stability for Atlanta this season. His performance against Tampa Bay was historic, setting a franchise record with 509 passing yards. His connection with wide receiver Drake London, who has caught 32 passes for 3 touchdowns, has been a significant part of Atlanta’s offensive success. The Panthers’ defense will need to find a way to contain Cousins if they hope to slow down the Falcons’ attack.

2. Andy Dalton vs. Falcons’ Secondary:
Dalton brings years of NFL experience to Carolina, and he is familiar with some of the key personnel on the Falcons’ defense, particularly safety Jessie Bates, whom he played with during their time together in Cincinnati. Dalton’s familiarity with Bates could influence how he approaches the game, but he’ll still face a tough task against a Falcons defense that has been stingy throughout the season.

3. Younghoe Koo’s Kicking Impact:
In a game that could come down to fine margins, Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo could be a decisive factor. Koo has made 5 of 6 field goals from 50 yards or longer this season, and his ability to score from long distances may provide Atlanta with the edge in another potentially close contest.

Panthers’ Struggles on Offense

The Panthers have had flashes of offensive success, notably in their only win against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. However, those moments have been few and far between. Since that win, Carolina has struggled to produce consistent offensive drives, particularly against tougher defenses like Chicago’s.

First-year head coach Dave Canales has acknowledged the team’s inconsistency, noting that while they have shown positive moments, they have yet to execute consistently.

“We’re hopeful every week that this will be the game where it all comes together,” Canales said. “We’ve had flashes, but now it’s about being able to sustain those moments throughout the game.”

Injuries and Roster Moves

The Panthers’ injury situation is troubling, especially along the offensive line. Losing center Austin Corbett for the season is a significant blow, and right tackle Taylor Moton’s availability remains in doubt. In response to their injury woes, the Panthers promoted defensive end DeShawn Williams from the practice squad and signed offensive lineman Cade Mays from the New York Giants’ practice squad. Mays previously played for the Panthers, starting seven games across the last two seasons.

On the Falcons’ side, only linebacker Troy Anderson (knee) missed practice on Wednesday, suggesting that Atlanta is relatively healthy heading into the game.

Series History Favors Falcons

Historically, the Falcons have the upper hand in this NFC South rivalry. They lead the all-time series with the Panthers 36-22, and they hold a 15-14 advantage in games played in Carolina. Last season, the teams split their matchups, with Atlanta winning the season opener 24-10 at home, while the Panthers secured a 9-7 victory in Charlotte later in the year.

Given Atlanta’s current form and Carolina’s struggles, the Falcons will aim to build on their series lead and avoid needing another late-game rally to secure the win.

Final Thoughts: Can Atlanta Dominate?

The Falcons come into this game with momentum on their side, bolstered by their ability to close out tight contests. However, they will be looking to avoid relying on another last-minute surge and instead aim for a more commanding performance against a Panthers team that is battling injuries and inconsistency.

For Carolina, this game presents an opportunity to get their season back on track, but they’ll need to overcome significant challenges, including an injury-depleted offensive line and a lack of consistency on both sides of the ball.