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Carolina Panthers: Preview of Carolina vs. Atlanta NFL Week 4

By Horran Cameron

Dec 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) yells at the line of scrimmage against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) yells at the line of scrimmage against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Carolina Panthers (1-2) march into Georgia to face their division rival, the Atlanta Falcons (2-1). In this article, we will dissect this matchup.

The Carolina Panthers have experienced a rough start to this season. In particular, Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton has struggled a great deal. In three games this season, Newton has completed 63 of 108 passes for 809 yards with five touchdown passes and five interceptions.

On the other hand, Atlanta’s starting quarterback Matt Ryan has had a great start to the season. Ryan has completed 73 of his 103 passes for 970 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception.

This matchup could go either way. Carolina is looking to rebound from a horrible performance in Week Three versus the Minnesota. Jonathan Stewart will not play today. Expect running back Cameron Artis-Payne to start in Stewart’s place.

Dec 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) carries the ball past Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) carries the ball past Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

The Carolina Panthers must get their passing game going. Expect Newton to establish Panthers’ wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin early in the game. Likewise, Panthers’ tight end Greg Olsen will be relied on heavily.

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The passing game opens up the running game – for Cam Newton. Newton will be Carolina’s primary rusher with Stewart inactive.  Artis-Payne will get touches, but Newton will be the primary rusher. When Newton plays well, the Carolina Panthers have a good chance to win the game.

What important thing to remember – Newton has to limit the amount of times he is tackled. Let’s be honest. Cam Newton is the heart and soul of the Carolina Panthers. They need him on the field in order to have a chance to win any game. The offensive line has to do a better job of protecting Newton. However, Newton has to decrease his ability to seek contact with defenders.

On defense, the Carolina Panthers have to limit big plays from Ryan and Julio Jones. In addition, Atlanta has two good running backs in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Freeman and Coleman are Atlanta’s version of ‘Smash and Dash.’ ‘Smash and Dash’ was the former nickname for Carolina’s running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.

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Although Freeman leads Atlanta in carries and rushing yards (42 carries for 265 yards), Coleman leads Atlanta in rushing touchdowns along with being second on the team in carries and rushing yards (32 carries for 110 yards and four touchdowns).

This game will feature a great deal of scoring by both teams. In the end, the Carolina Panthers will be victorious. Former War Eagle Cam Newton will be on a warpath to steer his team into a win against a division foe.

Prediction: Atlanta Falcons – 34, Carolina Panthers – 35

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