The Falcons face an always-tough division matchup on Sunday with the Carolina Panthers, but this year’s first round of the NFC South rivalry should have extra incentive for the Falcons in Week 4. After a 2-1 start, the Falcons could pull to and even .500 in arguably the most tumultuous division in the league. With New Orleans losing late to Denver last week and both Carolina and Tampa Bay getting out to 2-1 starts, the Falcons are in a previously unthinkable position as controllers of their fate among four flawed teams. The season, however, only gets tougher from Week 4 on, and Mike Smith’s bunch will be hard-pressed to perform well on the road, with an away game against Green Bay on the horizon in Week 5. Here’s what to watch for on Sunday, as the Falcons look to get their first win away from the Georgia Dome.
1. POUND THE PANTHERS EARLY …
In their two wins this season, the Falcons have scored a combined 35 points in the first quarter. What was the difference in their loss to Tampa? The Birds didn’t get on the board until 0:12 remaining in the second quarter and were already facing a 17-0 deficit. The key to the Falcons’ season thus far has been their aggression from kickoff, particularly in the running game. While Carolina boasts the same record as the Falcons, the Panthers’ offense has sputtered early in games, only accounting for one touchdown before halftime in its three contests. Expect the Falcons to serve up heavy doses of Jerious Norwood and back-to-back NFC Offensive Player of the Week Michael Turner. The Panthers are trotting out a medical ward for a front seven, with defensive ends Julius Peppers and Tyler Brayton and linebackers Na’il Diggs and Thomas Davis all listed as probable for Sunday’s clash. The Falcons should be salivating at the chances of building a lead on the road.
2. … BUT TEST THE CORNERS
The Matt Ryan saga continued with a bounceback performance against Kansas City last week. The Panthers corners, though more experienced than last week’s rookie duo, can be had. Roddy White (119 yards vs. Kansas City) had his first big game of the season last week and the trend should continue against Carolina’s Chris Gamble and Chris Harris, who both give up size and speed to White in the open field. Ryan may not get the time to make the big play with a better defensive line up front for Carolina, but he should look to connect with White in order to let him run at the Carolina corners.
3. WIN THE TURNOVER BATTLE
Veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme is not going to throw a lot of interceptions, but he has shown a penchant for fumbling the ball in recent weeks (three fumbles against Minnesota). This bodes well for Falcons defensive end John Abraham, who leads the NFL in sacks with six heading into Sunday. Delhomme has been sacked nine times in three games and Abraham’s forced fumble last week was one of a season-high four forced turnovers for the Falcons. Abraham and the resurgent Jonathan Babineaux are going to get in the backfield on Sunday; the question is, will turnovers occur when they meet up with Delhomme? The Falcons have a 2-1 road-to-home turnover ratio through Week 3. In order to lessen the Panthers’ inconsistent offense’s chances of awakening late, the Falcons must control the clock and, most importantly, hold onto the ball – not just on offense, but on special teams as well (i.e. Adam Jennings).
The Falcons have a chance to take over first place in the division for the first time in seemingly ages (actually, since 2006). Two years ago feels like 10 for this Falcons squad, but a first road win of the Mike Smith Era will be another step in the right direction.
Horne can be reached at ehorne@scoreatl.com.
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