Pouncing On The Panthers: A Roadblock For Cam Newton
by Dave Choate on Oct 14, 2011 7:30 AM EDT
in Falcons News
Email
Print
After last season, perhaps you could be forgiven for confusing the Panthers with housecats. No longer.
The Panthers may only win five games this season, but they're going to make every single tilt they play an exciting one. That's chiefly due to Cam Newton, who for all his warts is light years ahead of where I thought he would be developmentally. With a solid secondary, en effective running back tandem and Steve Smith for Newton to throw to, the Panthers are light years away from last year's hot mess.
That makes them dangerous. The Falcons are reeling right now, punch drunk from tough losses to the Packers and Buccaneers and an awfully tight game against the Seahawks. At times, it's like watching half a football team ply its trade out on the field, which isn't pleasant for anyone. The fact that the Panthers are 1-4 doesn't matter. The Falcons can't afford to take Carolina lightly, and everyone involved with the team knows that.
The key will be to slow down a high-rolling offense and establish the run against a defense that can't stop it at all, but is very adept at rushing the passer. It'll be an uphill battle—every game is for Atlanta, these days—but an eminently winnable one.
After the jump, my big question, three smaller ones and a game prediction.
The Big Question
How Will The Falcons Slow Down Cam Newton?
You'll notice I didn't write stop, because you don't truly stop a quarterback like Newton. The same was true for Michael Vick in his Atlanta days. Teams can make him minimally effective, but there's still going to be a play or two each game at minimum where Newton blows up.
Let's take a quick look at how Newton has scored his 12 (!) touchdowns in five games. Seven of them have been through the air, and the remaining five have been on the ground. Newton's averaging and impressive 8.3 yards per passing attempt and 4.0 yards per attempt on the ground, and the Panthers consider him their goal-line back. He's definitely a dangerous weapon.
The key to putting the brakes on Newton is forcing him to turn the ball over, which is not impossible. Currently, Newton has six picks and a fumble on the year, and ball control is not his strong suit. The Falcons need to force him to make mistakes and make a concerted effort to take away Steve Smith, Newton's clear #1 binky.
Do that and this game becomes more than winnable. Even if the Panthers have a very formidable ground game overall, which they do.
Three Smaller Questions
Question 1: Just how destructive will Michael Turner be?
I ask because the Panthers are already no great shakes against the run, and they'll be missing a couple of key defensive pieces come Sunday. This is far and away the best matchup Turner's had this year, and it might be just what he needs to get going after stumbling and bumbling over the last three years.
To me, it's not a question of whether Turner will do well. He feats on poor run defenses, and the Falcons aren't likely to give him less than 20 carries unless they fall behind very early. No, it's just a question of whether Turner will run for 200 yards and three touchdowns and cave the Panthers' faces in, or whether he'll do something more pedestrian like run for 80 yards and have an effective but not amazing game.
My bet's closer to the former than the latter.
Question 2: How will the passing attack fare with Julio Jones out?
We've spent a lot of time discussing the passing game recently, so this will be a brief couple of paragraphs. You do have to wonder how sticking Harry Douglas on the outside and Kerry Meier in the slot is going to impact an attack that seems to be on its back, jack. Jones hasn't been a virtuoso by any means, but he's a big part of the offense already.
My guess is that against a solid Panthers secondary, the passing game just won't be the focus this time around. The Falcons will likely find some success on short routes to Meier and Douglas, and Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez are always there to make things easier on Matt Ryan. This just isn't the most favorable matchup.
Question 3: Can the Falcons' offensive line contain the Panthers' pass rush?
The Panthers have eight sacks in five games, which doesn't jump off the page at you. That said, they get consistent pressure, and it would be a bad move to underestimate the Tealcats when the Falcons may be missing both Todd McClure and Garrett Reynolds.
Two guys in particular do a ton of damage to opposing offensive lines. That would be Charles Johnson, who already has four sacks and makes me depressed every time I think of him in Carolina instead of in Atlanta where we would have been best friends 4ever! Hardy is just a nasty pass rusher in his own right, replete with moves and ready to wreak havoc.
The Falcons would be wise to give help on the edges when they can and set Matt Ryan up to get rid of the ball quickly. Of course, a great game from Turner wouldn't hurt, either.
Game Prediction
The Falcons will even their record after a bit of a shootout with the Panthers, reviving their moribund offense in the process. I say 31-21, Falcons.
What say you?
65 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
prediction
Meir has an awesome game, somewhere along the lines of 5-6 catches for 70 yds a TD and 3-4 first downs. And then next week he fades back into the depth chart cuz Julio comes back and MM is lost in admiring at the quality and craftsmanship of his new smoking jacket.
by birdwatch on Oct 14, 2011 7:44 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Meier
I’ve been waiting to see what he can do in extended action for a while. With his size, hands, and decent speed, he can be a true asset. I just hope the coaches don’t do anything bonehead like play Weems over Meier most of the game. Matt needs to develop trust with HD and Meier if ATL is going to get this offense turned around. They are going to need to utilize all their weapons if they want to compete with the NFC elites.
I would say..
Carolina and the Falc’s had hard games last week.Cam is a player whom I admire reluctantly.I think it depends on the attitudes of the respective qb’s.If Matt is having a bad day we lose.If Cam has a bad day we win.If Cam and Matt have a bad day who knows.Yes its gotten to this.This is the life of a Falcon Fan that being said Go Falcons and beat the crap out of Carolina.Thanks Dave you are not slacking this year at least!
by JT131 on Oct 14, 2011 8:02 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Prediction
I would say that the Falcons use this game to get back on track. Their offense is built to run first. Although drafting JJ says otherwise. You just can’t change into an explosive offense like the Packers or the Pats in one season without a proper training camp. We run the ball and use play action and we will ride that puppy the rest of the year. I would expect to also see a form on no huddles that has a good balance of run and pass. Cam Newton will have another decent day but I say he is only responsible for 1 TD.
Final score: 30-13 Falcons
The Panthers managed to change into an explosive offense without training camp and with a rookie QB/head coach. Also I’m not saying the Panthers will win, but they will score more than 13. I’d say it will take 30 to beat them, but if so by a much slimmer margin. Turner and Gonzo will have huge days no matter what.
Man, there are a lot of analysts and ex pros who have one Super Bowl ring, like Warren Sapp, Trent Dilfer, and lately from Heath Evans.
Yes, they’re all grizzled Super Bowl veterans with their 3, no, 2, no, ONE damn ring. I’m happy for them, Hell, I actually like Sapp, but their constant lectures on how champions have a special kind of moxie the current Falcons just don’t have. Well, shucks! Heath Evans, I think I remember him, um, oh yeah, he averaged about 100 yards rushing and receiving… per year, and all totaled racked up around 2000 yards catching and running the football in the NFL AND college combined. I’m sorry it hurt your feelings, but it was fun watching the Falcons beat his ass last year in their house. Yes, the Saints won the rematch at the end of last year, a game that was meaningless. The dirtybirds still won the division, they’d won it long before that night. And what was the deal with Seattle? They couldn’t beat a losing team in the playoffs. Sad. Yes, the Falcons aren’t anything YET. They’re a work in progress, and they will get there. But they should realize that this is what they think of the Falcons amongst themselves. Just take a listen to this. http://www.4shared.com/audio/dr-ucSd0/heathevans101311.html
You know what?
Heath makes valid points. We have NO fire what so ever and Matt has done nothing to rally the troops. A year ago he woulda been in Roddy’s face for those drops. Now? Nothing. Alge also said last year when we practiced the pats that belichek said that our defense isn’t tough at all…which surprised crumpler because belichek always makes teams seem tougher than they are. Our magic is gone guys, every game we come out like we’ve already lost…it’s very noticeable. We have no 1st round pick, little cap room, and chances are Tony won’t be back next year, and possibly Abe. Add up that the panthers are on the rise, the bucs are back to being division contenders, and then you got the saints….this could be a tough decade.
by dirtybirds233 on Oct 14, 2011 9:37 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Wow.
Kill the drama dude. Yes, our team has no fire right now. We’re struggling. But guess what? We’re only 2-3. Things aren’t the brightest, but what you’re saying is ridiculous. Our D is soft? Guess what dude? We knew that yesterday, and the day before. Matt’s not rallying the troops right now…he isn’t, but who is? He’s getting the crap knocked out of him, he’s got to deal with Roddy dropping passes at the worst possible moments, and he’s got that idiot MM in his ear telling him to hand it Turner for a loss of 3. I know as fans we tend to panic, but some of the comments have gotten out of hand. The Saints, as great as they are right now, will only go as far as Brees takes them, and he’ll be retiring in another few years. Josh Freeman is pretty good, but in my opinion he’s overrated as hell. Truthfully, after the right coaching changes are made, we’ll be golden. We have too much talent. Relax.
by Gallant Gambler on Oct 14, 2011 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Cam < Vick
We did a fairly good job of slowing Vick down, however, Carolina has a much better offensive line than Philly, so it will be interesting to see if a healthier DLine can get pressure on Cam. If he gets time to pass like he did last week against the Aints, he’ll pick our secondary apart and Steve Smith will continue to haunt us.
I think this game will be won by the linebackers. If Carolina is going to stop Turner, their injured LB corps has to step up. If the Falcons are going to slow Cam down, our LBs have to limit the passes to Olsen and Shockey.
I believe the Falcons bounce back in this game (Matt Ryan still hasn’t lost back-to-back games), though I think the score will be closer than it should be.
Falcons 24 – Panthers 21
I do not agree.
Cam has more potential at this point, Michael squandered his. I also feel Cam is a better pocket passer than Vick. But either way they can both sit on a fork for all I care.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Oct 14, 2011 9:20 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Im going to disagree with your disagree...lol
I think if last year was anything to prove Vick still can be a very good QB. He does get frustrated when he doesn’t get that 50yd pass. If anything he isn’t patient like people above him TB, ARod, Brees, Manning. He is still the most “electrifying” player I have ever seen. Cam has done a lot of great things and I am excited to watch him play however I don’t think he will get to the “Vick” status.
If Cam and Vick came out the same year I would agree but....
He waisted years of effective talent. He may be good for a few more years but he will never be what he could have been, he’s not 24 anymore and his body can’t take it like it used to.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Oct 14, 2011 12:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Only time will tell
Yes he did waste away his talent. and even at 24 he couldn’t take the punishment. but either way i don’t think Cam is going to become what Vick is/was. Cam will be a solid starter probably one of the top performers. but i just don’t see him getting to ARods status. and thats where Vick was.
Vick was never at ARod status
ARod is a complete QB. Last year was the first time that Vick showed any kind of ability to do that. For most of his career, he couldn’t throw a good deep pass, his accuracy was hugely suspect, and he had virtually no patience in the pocket.
Vick was/isn't/won't be A Rod's status, ever.
He’s fun to watch but has and always will be an incomplete QB. Rodgers is a complete QB with a ring to boot.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Oct 14, 2011 3:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm referring to this point in time
I agree that Cam appears to have more upside. He seems more patient in the pocket than Vick ever did. I think Cam needs to work on his reads and accuracy, but those are things that can be worked on over time.
I was hugely skeptical of Cam as an NFL QB, but even I have to admit that he’s been very impressive, especially given the shortened off season.
Seriously? A Roadblock?
We’re the least improved, most inconstent team in the division and we’re a road block for Cam Newton and the Panthers? Not to mention we only have one more win than they do and they’re sitting at the bottom of the NFC South. We struggled to slow down Tavaris Jackson and the Sea-saw-hawks in a game we would have lost if Whitehurst was playing, and if not for an early turnover last week we would have only scored seven little points before going ice cold and watching the A-Rod and James Jones show.
The Falcons will even their record after a bit of a shootout with the Panthers, reviving their moribund offense in the process. I say 31-21, Falcons.
Two things, one we don’t win “shootouts”, and two if we haven’t found our offense yet it’s not going to happen, maybe it’s the scheme, or the coaches, or the players, or the weather, or maybe the jerseys, i don’t know but something has to change for us to see improvement and the last time I checked……everything’s still the same.
I’ll say Panthers 35, Falcons 24
I watched the entire Panthers + Bears game to see how they fared against a defense we madly struggled against and I pointed out at least 4 or 5 advantages for the Panthers (over the Falcons) who scored 29 points against that defense on the road that only allowed the Falcons to score 12 points. This won’t be a shootout this could very well be another embarrassing loss.
I'm saying they NEED to be a roadblock for Newton
Not that they WILL be one.
That said, this team is perfectly capable of scoring 31 points on the back of Michael Turner and the short passing game. The Panthers are awful at stopping the run.
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
by Dave Choate on Oct 14, 2011 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Again, though, given the way they've played recently....
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
by Dave Choate on Oct 14, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
that's a scary, but valid point
that’s the thing I was thinking about too – there’s a terrible mismatch here.
we say that our best chance to win is to have Turner gain like 200 yds on the ground, or have RYan throw short passes. either way, we have to take up a lot of time to come up with a score – whether a TD or a FG. conversely, all it takes for Cam is 2-3 plays to reach our endzone – through Steve Smith or the two TEs who have been good against our D in the past…
in other words, it will make zero deference even if we win the time of possession and go up by a score or two late – they can always come back and score against us in bunches.
I expect us to win though. Not because I’m sure MM comes up with a game of his life (he had his chances to do that against GB), but because otherwise the wheels will finally come off this team.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
MS-"hey MM, I think there's a few lug nuts loose on your side."
MM-“SIGH…no Smitty, you just think they’re loose because you’ve never studied wheels like I have.”
BVG-“I like pasghetti!”
Hey Falcon Nation!
Cat fan here popping over to see what’s up for the weekend matchup. Everyone has good points as far as I’ve seen. However, let me point out that this NOT the uncoached Fox Panthers that you guys faced last year.
We have our share of problems, mostly on the D side of the ball. The LB corps-thought to be a strength preseason- has been devastated by injury. We are starting 2 rooks in the middle of our D line, but they are improving each game.
I won’t presume to predict the score, but I promise all a good, entertaining experience. I would caution you to not under-estimate the capabilities of this Panther squad….we sure won’t be under-estimating the Birds. Ciao
Don't forget about our fabulous special teams play (sarcasm)
Rocking the boat and righting the ship! Making the moves needed...Go Panthers!!!
I will shed tears of blood if we lose.
Just saying.
Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/FalcoholicZippo
If you're a fan of the Falcons, or if you want to chat it up with some Falcons fans, sign up here, share your opinion, and get to know some great fans of the Falcons!
by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 14, 2011 12:58 PM EDT reply actions
I will Hide Sharp Objects
But I feel good about this one!
31-30 Panthers
We’ll see just how piss poor Atlanta’s "vaunted’ running attack really is against one of the poorer run defenses in the league.
unrelated but..
i will b @ the game thx2 a friend of HD! Free tix & ride2 the game! Gonna b a great wkend 4me & hopefully all falcon fans!!! 31-17 falcons on top!
Been a falcons fan since the big starter jackets was in style
by turnj35 on Oct 14, 2011 2:18 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Free the Quizz!
Given the LB situation in Carolina, the Falcons should be dumping passes underneath to Gonzo and Quizz all day long. Snelling, too. Negates the pass rush, reduces the need for adequate run blocking and takes advantage of the Kitten’s third string Backers.
FREE the QUIZZ!!
5-10 touches! Make it happen!
My buddy brought that up yesterday.
He says they’ve only whiffed on 6 NFL games so far this year. That’s 74-6. If I was a betting man I’d go with the ACCU every game.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Oct 14, 2011 3:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Whoops I didn't account for byes.
So that a few less than 74 Ws but still it’s a better ROI than wallstreet.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Oct 14, 2011 3:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
One of them
was our game against the Bucs, if I recall correctly.
Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/FalcoholicZippo
If you're a fan of the Falcons, or if you want to chat it up with some Falcons fans, sign up here, share your opinion, and get to know some great fans of the Falcons!
by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 14, 2011 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Being so early in the season the only info the system has to determine likely outcome is last years data.
Alas we were all fooled by that shit.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Oct 15, 2011 11:07 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Run the ball
Id be happy if Matt only had 25-30 pass attempts. Forte had a career day against the panthers earlier this year and I would like to see QBS get majority of the snaps. What does concern me is when we blitz can we actually bring the beast down. I mean if A Rod is strong enough to break out of a blitzers tackle imagine what Cam can do.
Double Steve most of the day and let Nicholas QB spy. I would love to see a 2-4-5 set thrown in the game plan but that is wishful thinking.
I would not be surprised if we actually lose this game
although I sincerely hope and expect is to win a close one.
one of the reasons for hope is, well, Peter King picking against us:
Carolina 30
Atlanta 23
Uh-oh. The fans at the Georgia Dome, lovebirds six weeks ago, turn boo-birds. I’ve been saying this for weeks: The Panthers are a far different team with Cam than without. (Duh.) Average score of 2010 games: Foe 26, Carolina 12. Average score of 2011 games: Foe 26, Carolina 23. Newton should be able to take advantage of a generous Falcons secondary.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
Cam is already a top ten QB in this league
It’s a sad day for Atlanta. In his first year Cam is already better than Ryan and Freeman and it wont be long until he’s better than Brees. The Falcons are not good this year. Carolina should be 4-1 or 5-0 and we SHOULD beat the Falcons. But alas, we may not.
by clemsonPANTHERSnascarKBandBK on Oct 14, 2011 4:33 PM EDT reply actions
You'll forgive me if I don't alas with you
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
Yes, let's anoint Cam as better than Ryan and Freeman after just 5 games.
As much as I like to use the “Should’ve won” excuse, should’ve won means nothing in the W/L column.
Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/FalcoholicZippo
If you're a fan of the Falcons, or if you want to chat it up with some Falcons fans, sign up here, share your opinion, and get to know some great fans of the Falcons!
by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 14, 2011 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions
The traits which got him banned at CSR are rearing their ugly head
Not worth your time, man.
It's a shame people gotta be this way.
Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/FalcoholicZippo
If you're a fan of the Falcons, or if you want to chat it up with some Falcons fans, sign up here, share your opinion, and get to know some great fans of the Falcons!
by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 14, 2011 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions
man screw CSR. those writers are pompous nitwits that should go back to college and get a real career.
by clemsonPANTHERSnascarKBandBK on Oct 15, 2011 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
screw you
CSR just doesn’t like to hear that we suck. Cam is amazing and if we dont improve as a team then he will be gone cuz he wants to win.
by clemsonPANTHERSnascarKBandBK on Oct 15, 2011 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Lmao what?
How will he “be gone”? He’s under contract for the next 5 years.
Panther Pride 'till I die.
Yeah, dont listen to him...
Most of us Panthers fans are far more respectful than that. Like ppalm said, he’s not worth your time.
"Beer, both the cause of and solution to all of life's little problems." - Homer Simpson
by Kris Mynatt on Oct 14, 2011 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
You guys are alright
Btw Kris, excellent Homer quote!
by aces666high on Oct 14, 2011 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Back to .500
Falcons, 28-17.
On the road, we’d probably lose this game right now. We’re at home. We’ll get the win. Cam will turn it over a few times and our run game will reappear.
We’ll have to pay attention to what the Lions do against the Niners. If Detroit wins, we can accomplish something important in the first half of the season: beating an undefeated team on the road. Coming into the season, I was thinking 4-3 or 5-2 before the bye would be reasonable. We still have a shot at that.
by Thrashy Thrashy on Oct 14, 2011 4:36 PM EDT reply actions
that Detroit game suddenly looms large
and not just because of our record, but also how good the Lions are this year.
I just hope that the team doesn’t think about the Detroit game, cause if they lose this week, the Detroit game may suddenly become irrelevant.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
BTW...
I would like to compliment you Falcon guys for being MUCH more classy and generous than the Aints fans. It certainly is nice to see a civilized opponent fan base like yours is. NOLA fans can be quite oderous…PEW!
by CoastalCat on Oct 14, 2011 4:55 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
We try to be reasonable around here.
We’ve been a bit bitter lately at our team, so any frustrations you might’ve witnessed, I hope you didn’t feel like they were personal. We’re generally a friendly bunch around here. I consider these guys my second family. haha
Thanks for not coming over and being a bum. There are plenty of people who come over and act like scum, and we don’t take kindly to those.
Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/FalcoholicZippo
If you're a fan of the Falcons, or if you want to chat it up with some Falcons fans, sign up here, share your opinion, and get to know some great fans of the Falcons!
by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 14, 2011 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Whatever the case
The march to 13-3 begins now.
by Gallant Gambler on Oct 14, 2011 5:43 PM EDT reply actions
Panthers fan stopping by
Should be an exciting game. I’m interested to see if your coaches go back to what your identity of the past was (pound it with Turner set up play-action) seeing as how we’re subject to the run. We were much improved last week against NO but as everyone knows the Brees show isn’t known for it’s ground game. Another interesting match-up will be our rookie DT’s (who are slowly but surely improving week in and week out) against a possibly injury riddled OL and the very large Michael Turner (sometimes I mistake him for a lineman while he’s running)
One last thing of interest — every team we’ve played so far (most….not all, but most… of their fanbase) has predicted their team to win by 2 or 3 scores at least. We’ve yet to lose a game by more than 7 points. Should be fun to watch!
"One step at a time"
Well, I'm sure as hell not predicting a 2-3 score win!
Before the season yes, but now…horribly, depressingly, miserably worried! I’m expecting Cam to have a huge game but hoping we can squeak one out. Our Oline is banged up but even if they weren’t, aren’t playing well. Our coaches…I really have nothing nice to say about them right now so I’ll sign off saying good luck to ya, nice post btw.
by aces666high on Oct 15, 2011 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
well
many “pundits” are actually looking for an upset of the week here. and they might be right. Cam is surprisingly good, and now the Panthers are suddenly able to score points in bunches. We don’t usually do well in those games. It might go down to a last second FG. I say we still win, but not because 2011 Falcons > 2011 Panthers. We simply need this one much more than you guys.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
by saying that about Quizz
r u suggesting MM actually listens to outsiders?
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on The Falcoholic
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- All reports positive after Peyton Manning’s first OTA in Denver
- Ryan Tannehill won’t start right away, according to Dolphins’ owner
- Lions WR Titus Young barred from practice after starting fight with teammate
- Winslow move could be a costly one for Bucs in the short term
- Matthew Stafford spends $15,000 to win auction package, then gives it to a young fan’s family
