Panthers looking for a Win to finish vs. Falcons
by Sharon Thorsland
It’s the season finale for the Panthers, who head down I-85 to take on division rival Atlanta on Sunday. There’s a lot on the line for the Falcons – they’re a game behind Tampa in the NFC South, but they can still win the division with a win over Sunday and a Bucs loss to the Saints.
These Falcons beat the Panthers back in October, but they’ve got a different quarterback this time around. Rookie Michael Penix, Jr. took over when Kirk Cousins was benched after week 15. Penix has been solid, throwing for 425 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. He’s a bit of a unicorn in that he’s a lefty – there aren’t many of those in the NFL, and several Panthers players are looking forward to facing him. “For me it’s going to be kind of different because I’ve never played a left-handed quarterback,” said cornerback Mike Jackson. “So everything you traditionally think of is backwards now. It’s going to be kind of fun to take on this challenge.”
Penix has a ton of excellent pass catchers to choose from, starting with Drake London, who leads the team with 90 catches for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. Tight end Kyle Pitts can take over a game, and of course there’s second year running back Bijan Robinson, who is third on the team with 59 catches. He’s also one heck of a runner, ranking fourth in the NFL with 1,286 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. And if that’s not enough, Robinson tag teams with third year back Tyler Algeier, who has picked up nearly 600 yards with three scores. The Panthers will once again be seriously short-handed on defense, as middle linebacker Josey Jewell and cornerback Jaycee Horn are among the starters who have been ruled out for this game.
The Falcons defense has improved since the first time these teams met, especially against the run. They’re allowing 118 yards per game on the ground, that’s 14th in the league. All-Pro defensive tackle Grady Jarrett anchors the front line, and veteran linebacker Kaden Elliss is having an excellent season. He leads the team in tackles and has five sacks and an interception. The Falcons secondary boasts a pair of All-Pros in safety Justin Simmons and cornerback AJ Terrell.
The Panthers know what is on the line for the Falcons, and they expect them to bring their best effort on Sunday. And while the season will come to an end for the Panthers are this one, they plan to bring their A-game as well. The starters that are healthy will play, including quarterback Bryce Young, and they’d love nothing more than to beat their division rival and send them home at the same time.