Atlanta Falcons shouldn’t fire anyone, and can Panthers go undefeated?

Oct 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) celebrates a recovered fumble for a touchdown with wide receiver Roddy White (84) in the fourth quarter of their game against the Washington Redskins at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 25-19 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

2. December is the time to turn it on

I’m a firm believer that the first three months of the season is there to set the foundations; December is where championship runs begin. The Carolina Panthers are 11-0, but what good is that if they lose every game in December and enter the playoffs stone cold?

Entering December last season, the Panthers were 3-8-1 with little hope of the playoffs. They went 4-0 in December and won the NFC South, and would go onto win a playoff game.

This is the time of year we will establish the true championship contenders. Despite an awful November, the Falcons have achieved the first goal of the season, and that is to enter December with a chance to make the playoffs.

They have a very good chance, too. At 6-5, the Falcons are edged out of the wild-card spots by the 6-5 Seahawks due to win percentage in conference games. Atlanta’s schedule remains favorable, games with Carolina aside.

If the Falcons are able to put it together on offense, limit the turnovers and start to win football games, the poor mid-season form won’t matter. If they win at least three of their final five games including a Week 17 victory over New Orleans, Atlanta will enter the playoffs with confidence.

At this time of year, you should be playing your best football. You are what you are, and it’s time to turn it on. Welcome to December.

Next: Run the table?