5 key matchups to watch during the Panthers at Falcons in Week 8
By Noah Bryce
Mike Davis vs. his former team
This matchup may not have the game-breaking potential of the others on this list. But it will be a fun one to watch nonetheless.
Mike Davis was a fan favorite during his two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, filling in admirably for the oft-injured Christian McCaffrey in 2020. Bringing a unique toughness to the running back position that is rarely seen in today’s NFL.
Davis seemed to always run like he hated whoever was trying to tackle him and just bulldozed defenders. But the veteran back decided to cash in on his performance and test the open market where he landed with the rival Atlanta Falcons.
Hard feelings may be the last thing on Davis’ mind on Sunday. But there will always be a place in a player’s heart that makes them want to perform well against their former team so they know just what they are missing out on.
That won’t be any different in Week 8 against the Panthers.
While the run game is the least of the Falcons’ priorities, Davis will get plenty of opportunities to gouge his previous employer. It’ll be intriguing to watch him bounce around defenders again, even if that’s not necessarily a good thing for Carolina in the long run.