Let's move on to the Falcons

[X-Clown]

This thread is for legitimate discussion over matchup concerns, predictions, etc.

I'll start with looking at the matchup between their run game and our run D. The conventional wisdom is that our run defense is going to be looked at as the Achilles heel this week and that them running Turner early and often will open up things for the Falcons passing game. People will be quick to point out that Forte torched our defense two weeks ago and that the Falcons will copy that game film. The truth is, a lot of those were on outside runs, something that I don't think Turner does nearly as well as Forte. And for all the talk about how awful the Bears are at pass blocking (which they are), Forte just had a 100+ yard game against the Lions D last night, so obviously when Martz actually decides to stick with the run, they are decent at it.

Our tackles are playing a lot better, so I'm not as concerned for the wide open holes up the middle, more for the yards after contact from our depleted LB corps.

When you look closer at Turner's ypc, you find that they are inflated by two games against the Eagles and Bears who both have run defenses that are statistically worse than ours. Against Tampa's 23rd ranked run defense, he had 10 carries for 18 yards. I'm not suggesting that we could do the same, but I don't think it should concern us quite as much as it appears to on the surface.

[carolinarolls]

[dpm0409]

All I know is that every single game we play from now on I feel we have a legitimate chance to win, which is something I haven't been able to say the past couple seasons. Gotta love it.

[panthers55]

Heard on NFL Sirius that Julio Jones wasn't going to play due to injury.

[dpm0409]

Probably comes down to who can stop who more often; as will be the case with most every game from here on out.

[Sloth]

Gonzo.

Please PLEASE don't just release Gonzo into the middle like you did with Graham.

Turner looks tired. I think he has a good game against us because we're soft on D, but I don't think he goes nuts.

Ryan isn't a great passer with the middle and deep stuff, but can kill us with a short timing/rhythm game. He's also really good running the no-huddle.

We can win this, but the Falcons are playing at home and are just as pissed as we are.

[X-Clown]

I'd also say that a fast start will really help us, not to mention now uptight their fans will be, negating some of the homefield advantage. The Falcons are a team that struggles when they have to come from behind (kind of like we used to under John Fox).

[Sloth]

I also think Johnson has a monster game. He took a LOT of flack from Atl for being overpaid and coming back instead of heading home.

[rayzor]

turner hasn't been all that good this year. probably because their oline sucks so badly.

he's only averaging 70 yards a game.

forte and the saints RBs is/was much more of a concern being that they can play a role in the passing game. turner has never been one that is a receiving threat.

i normally would be worried, but i'm not and turner is the only real threat they have this year.

they might have their first two possessions scripted pretty well, but after that it's pretty pathetic. they only really play one quarter of football.

[CLTPanther]

This is what the Falcons will look like this Sunday

[ed bell]

Any update on John Abraham's hip injury? He was inactive vs. GB.

[malik]

[SauceBoss]

Let's talk about ways not to blow the game.

1. Do not spot them 7 points on a first pick.

2. Don't give up returns

3. Do not fumble the opening kick off

4. ???

[SauceBoss]

Any update on John Abraham's hip injury? He was inactive vs. GB.

John Abraham sucks.