Articles
Falcons at Panthers
By Nick Lang
Nov 9, 2007 - 11:49:28 PM

Atlanta (3-5) at Carolina (4-4)

Atlanta Falcons Defense
23rd Ranked against the Run
15th Ranked against the Pass
Atlanta Falcons Offense
20th Ranked in Rushing
20th Ranked in Passing

Carolina Panthers Defense
20th Ranked against the Run
16th Ranked against the Pass
Carolina Panthers Offense
11th Ranked in Rushing
27th Ranked in Passing

So why does anyone really care whether Carolina can win a home game against the Falcons? Well would you believe that the Panthers could pull out an NFC South divisional title and go to the playoffs where they meet the Giants in a Wild Card game? You wouldn't? Well neither would I, but since Seattle is the only division leader lousier than Tampa Bay it could still happen.

I don't know of any NFL rule that absolutely requires each team to field a quarterback but it seems to be common practice these days. That could pose a problem for Carolina who's best hope of a warm body to take snaps is Matt Moore, an undrafted rookie without an NFL start in his career. And he would be backed up by Drew Olson who never threw a pass in the NFL in his life. "I think our defense will understand that they want to establish the run," Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino said. Yeah, no kidding.

The positive for Carolina is that regardless of who stands in the pocket they can probably get the yardage they need without putting together too much of a passing game. Panthers running back DeShaun Foster rushed for 122 yards and a couple of touchdowns the last time they met Atlanta, and Carolina had a total of 175 yards rushing on the day. That was also the day Falcons backup quarterback Joey Harrington passed for 361 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, and Atlanta still lost the game.