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3 bold predictions for Panthers against Falcons

By Danny Jaillet

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons is tackled by Thomas Davis #58 of the Carolina Panthers on a run during the first half Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons is tackled by Thomas Davis #58 of the Carolina Panthers on a run during the first half Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Panthers defense will give up less than 100 rushing yards

The fact that Devonta Freeman is out is huge for the Falcons. He was their leading rusher last week against a stout Eagles defense as he carried the ball six times for 45 yards. As a team, the Falcons rushed for 74 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. The injury to Freeman plus Carolina’s performance last week against an elite running back is crucial. Those two things should work in the Carolina Panthers favor.

In total, the Cowboys rushed for 94 yards last Sunday.

Carolina did a nice job of containing Ezekiel Elliott last week. Although he did score a touchdown, he rushed for only 69 yards on 15 carries. Given Elliott’s talent, those numbers are not too bad from a Carolina perspective. They managed to contain him for most of the game. I would expect to see rookie Ito Smith out there a bit for the Falcons. A rookie from Southern Mississippi, he rushed for 1,415 yards and 13 touchdowns his senior year. Now, he will have a chance to show what he can do in the professional ranks.

Either way, running the ball will be a work in progress for Atlanta on Sunday. The Panthers should be able to keep Falcon rushers at bay and force them to become a one-dimensional team. If that happens, Carolina should be able to come away with a victory.

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