The Carolina Panthers scored 37 points in their home opener. The offense was clicking and picking up yards and scores at will. Unfortunately the defense let up an absurd 59 points in what ended up as a three score loss. In this space, we talked about the importance of Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillan beating the Bears secondary. They did that. We also talked about the defensive front against a strong Bears offensive line. They lost that battle as badly as they can lose it, and that ultimately decided
the game.
This week, the Panthers play division rival Falcons who are coming off a game that’s basically the opposite of the one the Panthers just played. Neither they or the Steelers could move the ball against one another, and a defensive touchdown fittingly decided the game in favor of the Steelers. Something has to give in this one.
Devin Lloyd and Bobby Okereke vs Bijan Robinson
The Panthers used the offseason to completely revamp their starting linebacker duo. That did not help them in Week 1 against the Bears. Both D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai tallied at least 100 yards rushing, and both found all sorts of space slicing through the middle of the defense. Devin Lloyd had a really rough debut with the Panthers, while Bobby Okereke was largely invisible outside of an early forced fumble. They struggled to do their part to contain the Bears’ one-two punch, and they hardly used their backs in the passing game. Robinson is a much more talented back than either of those two, and he also led the Falcons in catches and receiving yardage in Week 1. If the linebackers play anything like they did in Week 1, it’s going to be another very, very long day for the Panthers defense.
Za’Darius Smith vs Monroe Freeling
Outside of a sack given up to Montez Sweat in the first quarter, Monroe Freeling held up pretty well in his debut at right tackle. He’ll get tested again in Week 2. Za’Darius Smith is operating on a snap count as he works his way back from his midseason retirement last season. In limited snaps against the Steelers, he registered both of the Falcons’ two sacks. He’ll probably be deployed as a pass rush specialist again against the Panthers, and it’s vital that Freeling hold up to let Bryce Young cook.
Tetairoa McMillan vs AJ Terrell
AJ Terrell has long been thought of as one of the better corners in the NFL, but he certainly didn’t look it in Week 1. He was called for a couple of pass interference penalties and should have been called for a third on a deep ball to DK Metcalf. He struggled to keep up with both Metcalf and Michael Pittman. McMillan has a chance to catch him while he’s struggling, and there will be opportunities to pick up some big plays if Terrell maintains his Week 1 form. The Falcons have very good safeties, but there should be room for the receivers to win on the outside.
Bryce Young vs Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Young conquered his Week 1 matchup against Week 1 by having one of the best games of his career in general, and definitely the best game he’s ever had to open a season. Now he’s playing in a stadium that has been home to his best two games in each of the last two seasons. Young closed the 2024 season by accounting for five touchdowns in a 44-38 win to knock the Falcons out of the playoffs. In 2025, Young threw for 448 yards and three touchdowns in another overtime win. Can he make it three straight dominant performances in the ATL?
