The Carolina Panthers are aiming to pick up their first win of the campaign against a familiar foe in Week 2. Head coach Dave Canales' squad travels to face the Atlanta Falcons, and there is a lot on the line.
Both clubs are looking to avoid starting the season 0-2. It's a divisional rivalry, so personal pride is on the line, too. But the Panthers have a pretty good record against Atlanta in recent years, so hopes are high that this can continue.
It must be a collective effort, and fans won't tolerate any more defensive frailties. The Panthers have higher expectations to meet this season, and going in an early hole would put them on the back foot.
The Falcons will also fancy their chances, so it promises to be another fascinating contest between the NFC South adversaries. Before then, here are four bold predictions for the Panthers in Week 2.
Bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons
Tetairoa McMillan gains 120+ receiving yards
After a quiet start to Carolina's opening-day loss to the Chicago Bears, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan eventually finished with five catches for 75 receiving yards. This should serve him well in a much more productive afternoon against the Falcons.
McMillan has superstar qualities. He now has a legitimate running mate in Jalen Coker, and quarterback Bryce Young is gaining plenty of confidence. If the Arizona product can win his individual matchup with A.J. Terrell, who's listed as questionable, he can have a massive say in the overall outcome.
Carolina Panthers defense holds Bijan Robinson under 80 total yards
After giving up 291 rushing yards and six scores on the ground in Week 1, the last thing Ejiro Evero probably wanted to see was running back Bijan Robinson next up. They need major improvements against arguably the league's best dual-threat backfield threat, and their performance will be scrutinized heavily if it goes wrong.
Robinson can torch any team. His speed, athleticism, and contact balance are first-class. The Panthers need to meet fire with fire, and if they can hold the former Texas standout under 80 yards from scrimmage, Carolina will be in good shape.
Bryce Young throws for 350+ passing yards
Bryce Young has enjoyed plenty of success against the Falcons throughout his career. He's had their number in no uncertain terms, and that trend can continue after his outstanding Week 1 effort against the Bears.
Young is growing as a player and leader. The aggressive scheme Brad Idzik implemented seems to be having the desired effect, and even though the Panthers couldn't play complementary football to help the signal-caller, this loss wasn't on him.
The Falcons are a good chance for the Panthers to get themselves right. Expect another complete performance from Young.
Derrick Brown secures four tackles for loss
Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown was not at his best in Week 1. The 2020 first-round pick delivered an uncharacteristic performance, and he will be eager to right it in Week 2.
The Panthers need Brown back to his formidable self, pushing the pile in the trenches and playing with more discipline. Nobody is particularly concerned about his poor start to the campaign, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him dominate Atlanta's offensive line interior to help Carolina get its season off and running.
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