Panthers Edge Closer to Above Average Status

     Last week, the Carolina Panthers finally proved they could hang with the NFL elite, nearly handing the New Orleans Saints their first loss of the year.  To the chagrin of the fans, they also reaffirmed their inability to finish a game effectively.  The second half offensive play-calling lacked the luster the first half exhibited.  The explosive running game that had dominated the Saints defense in the first quarter broke down in the second half.  Drew Brees and company made the necessary adjustments to better attack Carolina's man-to-man coverage, hitting the seams and allowing their quick recievers to get big yards after the catch.

     The biggest matchup to watch in this Atlanta game will be that of red-hot Michael Turner against a Panthers run defense that will have to get the job done without their leading tackler, Thomas Davis.  The Panthers' defense is not shy about stopping the run, they have kept opposing running backs to an average of 46 yards per game the last three weeks. This Sunday, it will be up to Landon Johnson and Dan Connor sharing the outside linebacker position to seal up the edges and keep Turner contained. 

     On the other end, the Panthers rotation of Deangelo Williams, Jonathen Stewart, and Mike Goodson should be effective against a Falcons defense that has given up 123 rushing yards per game on the year. 

     Without a healthy Roddy White and Brian Finneran, the Panthers stellar man-to-man pass coverage should have no problem containing Mike Jenkins on the outside, allowing those soft zones in the middle to come up and snag a ball or two from the outstretched arms of Tony Gonzalez. 

     A completely healthy offensive line will give Jake Delhomme plenty of time to throw the ball, but his indecisiveness may create problems for a Panthers offense that relies on establishing a consistent tempo.  Mushin Muhammad's return should force Atlanta's secondary to spread out their coverage rather than double up on Steve Smith.  If all else fails, Dwayne Jarret will be lined up in the slot against Chevis Jackson, a second-year corner that excels at playing close to the line, a move that may allow Jarret to find some room in the middle of the field on play-action. 

     The deciding factor in this game will be the Panthers ability to get in Matt Ryan's face and stop his ability to hit his target.  Carolina's defensive line does a good job at getting their hands up and deflecting ill-aimed balls.  Sam Baker is questionable going into the game, which may be just the edge Julius Peppers needs to have a career day, especially with the rookie Brown subbing in to keep him fresh. 

     Atlanta goes into this game a confident bunch after shutting down the Washington Redskins last week, but the Panthers come in still feeling the sting of giving up a victory against, arguably, the best team in the NFL right now.  They will have more to prove and I believe that if Jake Delhomme throws the ball less than 25 times, the Panthers have a legitimate chance at walking away this week with a win, inching ever closer to becoming an above average team.  Panthers 20 Falcons 14.