4 keys to victory for the Panthers vs. the Falcons in Week 8
By Dean Jones
Take advantage of Atlanta’s fragility
Another week, another collapse from the Atlanta Falcons.
Just when things looked like they might be on the up following their decision to fire head coach Dan Quinn, the Falcons reverted to type with another unbelievable finish against the Detroit Lions, which saw them beaten on the final play of the game. Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory is something that has become increasingly evident ever since they blew a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl and this fragility is something that the Carolina Panthers must take advantage of.
Teams can go into a game with the Falcons knowing they are never truly out of it, no matter how many they’re down by.
Once this sort of mindset develops on a roster, it is very difficult to overcome, and although Atlanta has shown some marked improvements since they put Quinn out of his misery it is clearly going to take a substantial period of time to rectify this problem.
That being said, the Panthers should underestimate them at their peril.
Atlanta still has playmakers everywhere you look. The likes of Calvin Ridley, Julio Jones, and Grady Jarrett all have the ability to change the complexion of a game, with running back Todd Gurley sure to be keen on making up for his complete lack of awareness that cost the Falcons in Week 7.
Carolina is also coming off a defeat that basically came down to one play. But their momentum is building in a positive way, albeit steadily, following a distinct lack of expectations surrounding the franchise before the 2020 season began.