Atlanta Falcons News: Can Panthers be stopped in NFC South?

Will the Carolina Panthers win a fourth straight NFC South title, or can the Atlanta Falcons slow them down? That and more in Thursday’s Dirty Bird Daily.

Good morning, Falcons fans. We’re now exactly 10 weeks away from the start of the regular season. While the excitement heats up for the new football year, it’s still fun to look back at the highs and lows of the 2015 season. What were the top-10 moments for the Falcons last season? Kit Anderson answers that question.

Let the 10-week countdown commence. With June ending today, we’re only a couple of months from football season, football weather and the best time of year.

As you sip your coffee this fine Thursday morning, enjoy these Falcons articles from around the internet.

NFC South Q&A: Will Carolina make it four division titles in a row? — ESPN

The Panthers have a vice grip on the NFC South, and it doesn’t look like they’ll be surrendering their crown anytime soon. Can one of the Falcons, Buccaneers or Saints dethrone MVP Cam Newton and Carolina? I won’t write off Atlanta or Tampa Bay, but I don’t trust New Orleans to get it done.

Jones shows support for locker neighbor Freeman — Kelsey Conway of AtlantaFalcons.com

Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman are now locker buddies, paired next to each other in Flowery Branch. The two will also be at the heart of any success the Falcons have on offense this season. If they both match their 2015-best, the offense will have a strong foundation to build from.

Next: Atlanta Falcons: Top 10 moments from 2016 season

The most player-friendly contract on the Falcons’ books is C Alex Mack — Jeanna Thomas of The Falcoholic

The Falcons were aggressive in their attempts to find a good center. After 2015, it was necessary. The hope is Alex Mack fixes the problems at the heart of the offensive line, although he didn’t come cheap.