5 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers at Falcons in Week 8
By Dean Jones
Ameer Abdullah score a return TD for the Carolina Panthers
There weren’t many bright spots for the Carolina Panthers during their Week 7 capitulation that became one of the most demoralizing defeats in franchise history. However, Ameer Abdullah’s ability in the return game was eye-catching.
Abdullah could be a shrewd pickup following his release by the Minnesota Vikings. The Panthers haven’t got much in the way of production from Alex Erickson in this particular area of the field, so expect the former second-round pick to keep the job moving forward.
The Panthers need a spark from somewhere. Ideally, it will come from the offense that still has an abundance of talent even without Christian McCaffrey.
But considering how tepid their production was at the New York Giants, it might have to come from elsewhere unless things improve drastically.
Special teams’ performance is an area where the Panthers have been hit and miss this season. Abdullah certainly looked the part on debut, so there are reasons to be encouraged from the player’s perspective in pursuit of giving Sam Darnold some strong field position consistently.
Big plays in the return game can shift the complexion of the contest. If the Panthers can get this from Abdullah in Week 8, it will do their chances of winning the world of good.