3 bold predictions for the Panthers in Week 5 at the Falcons

The Carolina Panthers will not allow a sack for the second straight week

After last Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, Teddy Bridgewater smartly gave game balls to his protection in the trenches. The offensive line can earn themselves another set of game balls this week with Pro Bowl left tackle Russell Okung, who’s missed two games with a groin injury, expected to start against the Falcons.

The Falcons rank 22nd in sacks per game and have a total of seven on the year. Atlanta’s front seven will definitely get a boost if defensive end Takk McKinley returns to the lineup after being sidelined for the past two games with an elbow injury.

Even with McKinley playing, the Carolina Panthers can make it difficult for the Falcons to take down Bridgewater.

Last week, Carolina’s defense gave the offense good field position for most of the game and they were able to move the ball quickly as Bridgewater played with more rhythm. Since Christian McCaffrey went down, the Panthers have also gotten good production out of Mike Davis, who has given Bridgewater a quick passing option in order to avoid taking sacks.

If these factors continue and the offensive line moves forward with its stellar play, the Panthers can keep their quarterback upright and possibly beat the Falcons in Atlanta for the first time since 2014.