Saturday News And Notes: Pouncing On The Carolina Panthers

by Dave the Falconer on Nov 14, 2009 10:00 AM EST in Falcons News Comment 17 comments

John Bazemore - AP

TACKLED! (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Rematches are always fun.

After we put a whuppin' on the Panthers earlier this season, you can bet they're going to want to return the favor in this one. With talented linebacker Thomas Davis gone for the year and noted Atlanta Falcon enemy DeAngelo Williams questionable, however, there are some holes we can exploit. The trick will be to slow down whichever of Carolina's approximately 25,000 running backs suits up and plays, while avoiding letting a declining Jake Delhomme pass all over us. On offense, it's just a simple matter of making use of a conservative passing attack against one of the league's finest secondaries and letting Michael Turner run for eight bojillion yards. No biggie, right?

Let's take a look at a few stories leading up to Sunday's game, shall we?

A whole mess of questionables again. Everyone seems to expect Roddy White to play, but he's been limited in practice all week. Ditto Jason Snelling and Thomas Johnson. Also, is there any way we could stop putting Jerious Norwood on the injury report as a questionable when it's absolutely crystal clear that he's not going to play? Kthxbye.
For all the ups and downs, hand-wringing and general panic at times here, we're still sitting at 5-3 at midseason, the same record as 2008. Take a look-see at where we are so far through a fresh set of eyes.
Thomas Davis really was an anchor for the Panthers, and though Landon Johnson is a capable replacement, we've got to take advantage of his absence on Sunday. Methinks we will.
I sure do stink at fantasy football.
Let's wrap this up with a Panthers mention, again. Frankly, I think that while Delhomme clearly deserves some of the blame for the way the passing game has suffered this season, they need better wide receivers. Steve Smith is the only guy over there that strikes any kind of fear into my cold, black heart.

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Glad to hear DeAngelo has a bad knee and will be a game time decision. As he is a great RB capable of winning a game lefthanded, that is a huge break for the Falcons. Jake may may forced to pass more, and he has been tossing a ton of Ints.

I expect Buurner and Gonzo and the Falcons D to continue their great play and hope to see Ryan Jenkins and White get back on track this week.

I predict Falcons 31 Panthers 24.

I see TDs for White Turner TG and the Atlanta defense.

by WarWolf on Nov 14, 2009 11:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

If it's any consolation, Jake did throw for 308 yards on you the first game

41 attempts, and you only managed 1 INT. They have to start throwing more because last week showed that you can’t consistently beat good teams by only running and playing defense. I think this is the week Jake and Smith reconnect. And since you guys will probably be stacking the box, I predict some big plays down field.

Panthers 28, Falcons 24

on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city

by southtunnel on Nov 14, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Jake and Moose and Smith are certainly due to bust out. Could happen.

But Coleman, DeCoud, Lofton, Hill and the rest have been playing good pass defense of late – and the rush from BeerMan Honest Abe and Babs is for real.

My $ is on the Falcons this week.

But I hope Carolina wins all their games after Sunday.

by WarWolf on Nov 14, 2009 5:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think it depends which Falcons show up.

If the angry, playoff righteous fury falcons show up, I don’t think this game will be that close. Carolina is 1-2 at home. I don’t know what team the lone home win is, but it might be Tampa Bay. Atlanta is 1-3 on the road, with close (sans DAL) games with three of the NFL’s hottest teams in NE, NO, and DAL.

If the dumb, “what’s this ball thingy do?” Falcons show up, then it could be a battle of futility. I don’t see CAR winning this one. The Birds are determined and one of CAR’s major defensive cogs is gone for the season. It should be a good game.

by Zippo729 on Nov 15, 2009 3:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well there's no doubt the Panthers are playing better than the first game

So, they better not come into Carolina thinking it’s in the bag, and looking to next week vs NYG. Because that is exactly how you will lose. The Panthers are a team of surprise, and rarely do what they are expected to do… That might very well include losing today.

on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city

by southtunnel on Nov 15, 2009 8:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Enjoyed the "fresh set of eyes"

in the Examiner article. In particular, the part about Ryan’s progression in reading Ds and calling plays was refreshing. We visit here because the commentary is intelligent and well informed, but it never hurts to step back and get an alternate viewpoint occasionally.

by tom slick on Nov 14, 2009 2:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Good and chilling observation.

41 attempts with a single interception is really respectable. I’m looking forward to the game. In the past couple contests each team has played, they have both been surprising. May the better team beat the Panthers!

How many more days, Lord, must I walk through the wilderness?
GO FALCONS!!!

by AnOldBird on Nov 14, 2009 6:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Whoo

Matty is on Falcons face to face i know he hasnt looked great this year but he is confident and our QB

by Erihury on Nov 14, 2009 7:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

My Clemson Tigers won today, so everything is fine and good.

My gut says we’ll pull this out, but my gut failed me last week after the 2nd half of the Saints game. Even though my gut is usually pretty accurate, it forgot to take in the wild-card factor that is Jeff Davidson.

Expect a heavy dose of the running game this week. Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are going to run the ball down your throat, make you spit it back up, and then run it down again. Jake might even connect a long ball to Steve Smith this week.

Let it be known: We have done horrible things to teams that have scorned us. (See the Arizona Cardinals.)

"Once again the trousers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn

by Revshawn on Nov 14, 2009 7:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Tampa

GT going to run all over the tigers

by bhochstetler6 on Nov 15, 2009 4:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hell Yeah!

and To Hell With Georgia!

by RamblininAlb on Nov 15, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Jenkins is questionable

with some illness that came out of the blue. This is def bad with our receiving corps hurting badly(Fin is doubtful). Also, Stecker was released and they signed Bergeron from the practice squad.

This is not looking good for the Falcons at all.

by streetenigma23 on Nov 15, 2009 12:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Look for Weems, I guess

by Dave the Falconer on Nov 15, 2009 1:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bergeron had some good catches in the preseason.

Remember, he was the anchor for the Georgia Force’s offense in the Arena league. Before you say anything, all they did in the AFL was pass, pass, pass, so you know he can catch the ball.

This could be Weems’ breakout game on offense.

Also, it’s a shame Thomas Davis is out for the season, but again we have to run right at his replacement until he shows us he can handle it. TD’s place in that defense had him using his speed and quickness to be extremely mobile in the second level. If his replacement can’t handle it, he’ll get burned.

by Zippo729 on Nov 15, 2009 3:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

lets go!!

It is late to be up but i will be up for the game at one lets go falcons!!!

by bhochstetler6 on Nov 15, 2009 4:48 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Any of you guys going to the game?

We have seats… And don’t take it personally, but you guys are the most annoying opposing team fan base to have infiltrate a stadium. I guess because it’s so close that so many of you come out. And with the Panthers not playing well, I’m sure a lot of people will be selling their seats. Arghhh!

At least cut out the fighting this time, will ya? All it does is get you kicked out.

on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city

by southtunnel on Nov 15, 2009 8:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I appologize,

sometimes the UGA fans get off their leashes. They mistakenly believe that’s how football fans are supposed to act. (ie. Cocktail Party) Just smack em on the nose with a rolled up newspaper, they’ll settle down.

by RamblininAlb on Nov 15, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs