Week Two Preview: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons

Division rivalries are always fun. Sunday is no different when the Carolina Panthers make their way to the Georgia Dome this coming Sunday. Last weeks results are a complete opposite for the two opposing teams.

The Falcons were very disruptive on defense causing four turnovers. The Panthers turned the ball over six times. That doesn't sound like a good formula for the Panthers going into the game, but after all it is a division rival. Take the stats, throw them out the window and be prepared for Sunday.

“They’ve got one of the best one-two running back tandems in the league,” said Coach Mike Smith. “They have run the ball efficiently over the years.”

There you have it. First rule of Falcons club, stop the run. The best way to get the run going in games is to have a good play action. The Panthers have possibly the best tandem in the NFL with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.  It all depends on the play of Jake Delhomme who is coming off a terrible outing against the Philidelphia Eagles.

“Jake Delhomme is an outstanding quarterback,” Coach Smith said. “We anticipate getting their best game on Sunday.”

We call that coach speak where I come from. But there is one thing that is very noticeable with the new regime Falcons—always stay hungry and humble. One has to wonder if previous Falcon players such as Michael Vick and DeAngelo Hall could survive in such a positive, unselfish enviroment.

STAT OF THE WEEK

In the past 22 series, Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme has turned the ball over 11 times. That's a pretty staggering number when you consider those two games included the playoff loss to the Arizona Cardinals and the season opener to Philadelphia. Both games were played in Carolina. The Panthers should be excited to go on the road.

HOW DO WE MATCH UP

Tough to say honestly. Prior to Sundays game against the Dolphins, I would have been very concerned about the Falcons ability to stop the run. To be honest, it still concerns me. As great as the Falcons looked against the run, both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams averaged over four yards a carry. The secondary is still a question mark as they were not truly tested by Chad Pennington. The Falcons proved they can stop gimmick plays but can they stop a true ground and pound team? With the way Delhomme is playing, I would expect 20 or more carries from both Williams and Stewart.

FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW

Since acquiring John Abraham in 2006, the Carolina Panthers have lost their left tackle each season after lining up against the Predator. I know he doesn't purposely try to hurt anyone, but Abe is the Panthers worst nightmare. Jordan Gross has to be concerned going into this game. Trevelle Whorton spent his season on IR after his first face off with Abraham.

WHICH MATCHUPS SHOULD I WATCH

LT Sam Baker vs. DE Julius Peppers

Baker had a really tough time against both Joey Porter and Phillip Merling on Sunday. It gets no easier facing off with one of the best defensive ends in the game. Peppers has been a thorn in the side of the Falcons for years and the first round selection of Baker in 2008 was meant to remedy this problem. Last season Baker was injured so we haven't seen these two at full health going at it. Should be fun to watch.

C Ryan Kalil vs. DT Peria Jerry

Each team selected these players in the first round with the expectation of anchoring their respective lines for years to come. Both look promising and this matchup could provide a great matchup for those with DVRs who enjoy slowing down the action. This could be a moot point if Jerry's injury keep him out of Sundays action. Then we will see Thomas Johnson and Trey Lewis rotating against the young center.

CB Brian Williams vs. WR Mushin Muhammed

With less than one week in red and black, Williams came in to start Sunday against the Dolphins. Matching up against the Dolphins receivers isn't a good indicator of what he's capable of but Muhammed will show the Falcons what Mike Smith's protege in Jacksonville is capable of doing. Both are big, physical guys. I'm particularly interested in seeing how Williams comes off the blocks of Muhammed to help in run support.

THE OVERLOOKED FACTOR

Special Teams: The Carolina Panthers averaged 24 yards per kickoff return last week. The Atlanta Falcons allowed an average of 18 per return against the Dolphins. The Panthers also allowed second year stud WR DeSean Jackson to take a punt 85 yards. The Falcons kept the Dolphins to a paltry five yard average on punt returns. Falcons returner Eric Weems broke one lose for 18 yards against the Dolphins but was pushed out of bounds by the kicker.

FANTASY STUD OF THE WEEK

Looking to bail out his friend Jake Delhomme, expect WR Steve Smith to put on a clinic. Falcons corner Chris Houston hasn't had much luck in the past with Smith and I expect at least 15 balls thrown his direction.

SO WHAT'S YOUR PREDICTION

I would expect a much closer game than many this Sunday. The Falcons are no lock to run over the Panthers. The Falcons will try and establish the run early and often to free up Matt Ryan to take some shots downfield to his playmakers. The Panthers secondary is better than some give them credit so this one should come down to the final 4 minutes. That said, Atlanta is at home and Matty Ice is 8-1 at home with his only loss coming to Denver last season. In that game, the Falcons would have won had Roddy White held on to the wide open TD throw from Ryan. At home, Ryan simply wins.

ATLANTA 31

CAROLINA 20

The Falcons offense was pretty unstoppable at home last season and with the addition of Tony Gonzalez they are that much more potent. Couple that with Ryan going into his second season and the receiving core signed up together for years to come it can only spell great things in the future. Carolina will put up a fight, but in the end the home team should emerge victorious.