Carolina Panthers keys to victory in Week 2 at Atlanta Falcons

Contain WR Julio Jones

More from Cat Crave

• Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
• 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
• Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
• How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
• 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

Wide receiver Julio Jones torched Carolina in game one of the 2016 season and it remains fresh on the Panthers minds. Enjoying a record day, Jones hauled in 12 balls for 300 yards and one touchdown helping Atlanta win, 48-33.

In three games since, Carolina has kept Jones out of the end zone holding him to 15 receptions and 258 yards. Always productive despite not consistently scoring – three touchdowns all of last season – making sure Jones doesn’t help move the football in big chunks for the Falcons will be key.

The Panthers aren’t going to shut him out completely, but if an inexperienced secondary can limit his production and ability to impact the game, it puts Carolina in a position to be successful. The defensive front can assist those playing behind them with a consistent pressure.

If both are working on Sunday, expect Ryan and Jones to become increasingly frustrated. Even so, the Panthers need not leave them an opportunity late to win, as the Falcons already have their backs against a wall after losing the season opener.

The Panthers and Falcons kick off on Sunday, September 16 at 1:00pm ET.