If an opportunity presents itself, it’s not enough to take it. Sometimes you have to seize it, take the reins, run with it – maximizing the opportunities in front of you until you can’t anymore.
Ironically, this is where the Carolina Panthers are now. Despite their 1-5 start and after winning their second game of the season against Tampa Bay last week, they are in a position to make the NFC South a three-way race for first place with a win. Here are some keys to the game that will make the scenario possible:
Well Balanced Offense
When Interim Head Coach Steve Wilks took over the team, Carolina was ranked last in total offense. Wilks’ first order of business was to bring clarity to that side of the ball and develop an identity. Right now, that identity is running the football despite trading Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers. The tandem of Chuba Hubbard and D’Onta Foreman proved a solid performance against the Bucs – combining for 181 yards. Expect the Panthers to establish the run early. While establishing the run, it wouldn’t hurt to open up the passing game, as well, with some play-action. I understand the logic of being conservative in the offense. However, the Falcons’ defense isn’t looking infallible. Their secondary is fighting injuries. Cornerback AJ Terrell and safety Jaylinn Hawkins will be out after sustaining a hamstring injury and a concussion, respectively, against the Cincinnati Bengals last week. There’s an opportunity to test a vulnerable secondary, so why not air it out and see what happens, as well as, move the chains on the ground?
Third Down Excecution
The Panthers struggled with converting on third down on offense and making stops on third on defense. Last week against the Bucs, the Panthers managed to successfully convert and defend on third down. Atlanta presents a new challenge, however. They are ranked fifth in the league in conversion rate at 44 percent. Defensively, Carolina should expect the Falcons to run and apply pressure in the backfield. Offensively, the Panthers could take advantage of some short routes to move the chains.
Spam Pass Rush
The Falcons have only thrown 27 passes during the past two games. Carolina’s secondary has also been hampered by injuries, so the temptation for Atlanta to test the secondary will be there. The Panthers should pressure Marcus Mariota and consequently negate the effectiveness of All-Pro tight end Kyle Pitts. While the Panthers’ secondary may be banged up, their front seven is healthy and should use that to their advantage to pressure.