Falcons - Panthers: What you need to know for Week 4

The Falcons’ win over the Panthers late in 2015 was their one true triumph of the year. It prevented an undefeated regular season for Carolina, the eventual Super Bowl representative from the NFC, and gave us hope that maybe this Dan Quinn-coached team was actually going somewhere.

That opportunity is here again, albeit with lower stakes. The Falcons are now a game up in the NFC South and about to face a reeling Panthers team that has looked shaky against two of the NFL’s better teams. There’s no great shame in that, obviously, but we don’t yet know how good the Panthers are in 2016, and we have no idea how the Falcons are going to look against a quality defense. This will test the mettle of both teams, then, and it’s good for the Falcons that they’re in the cozy confines of the Georgia Dome.

Here’s what you’ll need to know to watch Sunday’s game, which is coming up fast.

Falcons - Panthers Week 4 game info

What: Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons, Week 4

When: Sunday, October 2, 1 p.m. EST

Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

Channel: FOX

Radio: 92.9 the Game

Key Questions: Can Atlanta continue their offensive dominance against a strong, capable defense? Is Carolina looking bad because they’ve faced great teams, or because they’re truly regressing from their magical 2015 run? Can the Falcons’ defense slow down Cam Newton after three straight uninspiring efforts?