4 Panthers players who need to step up vs. the Falcons in Week 8

Which members of the Carolina Panthers need to step up and make their presence felt during a crucial Week 7 game against the Atlanta Falcons?

The Carolina Panthers look to avoid a third consecutive defeat when they host the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football. This wouldn’t be the ideal scenario before coming up against two legitimate Super Bowl contenders over the next fortnight, which only heightens urgency to get a positive result against their NFC South rival.

There is nothing to suggest that the Carolina Panthers are not more than capable of a second win over the Falcons this season. They were thoroughly deserving of their victory at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Week 5, demonstrating the sort of poise on both sides of the ball that left plenty of reasons to be encouraged.

Atlanta might have improved following their decision to finally part ways with head coach Dan Quinn. But old habits reared their ugly head once again in their capitulation late on during a demoralizing home loss to the Detroit Lions last time out.

Matt Rhule’s men ran the New Orleans Saints extremely close during their previous outing and were unfortunate not to come away with a win. They’ve been highly competitive during most of their games this season in the face of quality of opposition, which has made the NFL world sit up and take notice of what is currently transpiring in Carolina.

It promises to be an intriguing game, which is the first primetime appearance for Carolina this season. Here are four Panthers players who need to step up in order for the team to stand the best possible chance of success.