Carolina Panther Pregame Post

It’s gameday and the Carolina Panthers are preparing to take on the Atlanta Falcons today at 1 p.m. The Falcons are 2-3 on the season, while the Panthers are 1-4. To get you ready for the game we are starting a new segment this week, were we try and give you a bit of everything prior to the game. We are going to post links to some light Panthers reading, post Panther players twitter comment, videos, maybe a bit of commentary, pretty much just anything and everything that will get you ready for the Panthers football game and help you past the time until kickoff.

Let’s get to it.

BLOG:

— It is game time. Here is my prediction. I think the Panthers and Cam Newton finally break through. I think the defense plays its best game of the season and the Panthers win 27-17.

–The official inactives for the Panthers: QB Jimmy Clausen, CB R.J. Stanford, RB Mike Goodson, FB Richie Brockel, LB Omar Gaither, DT Andre Neblett and OT Jeff Otah.

–It also sounds like Mike Goodson is inactive again. Seems like he has really been put in the dog house with the new coaching staff.

–Adam Schefter is reporting that right tackle Jeff Otah is inactive for the Panthers. Wow, the guy can not stay on the field. Otah had missed some practice this week with back problem and evidently it was worse today. Byron Bell, the undrafted rookie and really the unsung hero, will start in his place.

–For you betting fans,  the Panthers are +3 heading into the game against the Falcons today.

–One interesting tidbit of information today. The Panthers actually road a bus down to Atlanta instead of flew. Hoping to mix things up and get a few wins I guess.

— Couple notes on the game for me. If the Panthers want to win this game they have to stop Michael Turner. The defense played a bit better last week against one of the top defenses in the league. If they can limit the damage Turner does and force Matt Ryan, who has struggled this season, to beat them then they have a chance.

— Sounds like Mike Goodson will once again not be returning kickoffs. Instead rookie wide receiver Kealoha Pilares will get the job. See if he can improve from last week. Looked a bit slow and skidish on returns.

–The Falcons have won the last four of six games between these two teams, including sweeping the two game series last year.

–Seems like the Panthers upsetting the Falcons has become a popular pick this week. Have seen a lot of analysts pick the Panthers this week.

–ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports on ESPN Countdown that Brandon Lloyd is not the only Broncos wide receiver that is on the trading block. Sounds like they are willing to trade Eddie Royal as well. He is a name I would like to see the Panthers maybe try to get. Great slot guy and possession receiver.

What are they saying?

–Terry Bradshaw went with Carolina over the Falcons today.

–Fox’s Jimmy Johnson said he would rather have Panthers Steve Smith over Falcons Roddy White in today’s game.

— NFL Networks Michael Irvin said in his bold statement “Cam Newton, throwing for 400yds today, against Atlanta. In a victory.”

Carolina Panther Links:

Cat Crave Links

• Game Day Preview: Panthers visit the Falcons in Atlanta 
• Carolina Panther GM Marty Hurney denies trade talks 
• Getting to know the Falcons: Q & A with Blogging Dirty
• Is Steve Smith the meanest player in the NFL?

Charlotte Observer Links

• It’s about to happen according to Edwards
• Q & A with receiver Pilares
• Falcons drop off feels familiar
  

TWEET TWEET:

We try to follow as many Panthers players as we can find on twitter and their early morning tweets on Sunday always get me fired up for the game. Because I know not everyone is on twitter, I am going to try and post all of the players tweets right up until the start of the football game.

"@GoodNPlenty33 Headed to the #Dome….. (at 10:40 a.m.)@ENorwood40 Let’s get it@JordanSenn57 Nice little morning here in ATL. Feelin a little sick, but the best remedy for a cold is a dubya. Let’s get it!! #panthernation@RandyWattson (aka Charles Johnson) If u not at church u should be headed to the ATL dome. It’s about to GO DOWN ( Kevin hart voice )@RandyWattson (aka Charles Johnson) #Beastmode #panthernation #PanthersMafia #teamcj #TeamCarolinaPanthers@T_Williams56 Great morning! Thanks lord for another day!@Blafell1 ITS GAMEDAY!!! If u headed 2 church are already in there send a prayer up for me and the fellas.. GOD BLESS"