4 key matchups for the Panthers at the Falcons in Week 5
By Dean Jones
Donte Jackson vs. Calvin Ridley
The Carolina Panthers have gotten some outstanding production from their cornerback group over the last two weeks. They have been a pleasant surprise considering the concerns going into the campaign and hopefully, this is a trend that can continue long into the future.
There seems to be some doubt regarding the availability of Falcons’ stud wide receiver Julio Jones. The All-Pro missed the second half of Atlanta’s defeat to the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football with a hamstring injury that has hampered the player considerably since competitive action got underway.
Regardless of whether Jones is able to take the field or not, the Panthers will need to find a solution to the significant problem of Calvin Ridley. The former Alabama standout has shown enormous promise during his rookie year and has brought his game on even more over the first quarter of the campaign.
Ridley represents a considerable threat going down the field, which the Panthers will hope to counteract with Donte Jackson. The corner has the necessary speed to do this, but he will also need to match up physically against a receiver who has the world at his feet.
How Carolina’s No. 1 option at the position limits Ridley is going to be crucial, especially if Jones fails to prove his fitness on a short week.