Blogging Dirty
FanSided

Atlanta Falcons vs Carolina Panthers: To-Do Checklist for Week 16

By Eric Robinson

Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) is congratulated by quarterback Matt Ryan (2) after scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) is congratulated by quarterback Matt Ryan (2) after scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) rushes Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) as he passes during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) rushes Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) as he passes during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

#4. Frustrate Cam Newton

When it comes to facing the Carolina Panthers, defending Cam Newton is always priority number one. Of course, containing Cam is easier said than done.

Dealing with Newton’s versatility can be a headache, but flustering the 6-5 quarterback will do so much to hinder the Panthers offense. Getting to Newton this season has not been a problem for opposing defenses. The Panthers have given up 31 sacks along with 84 quarterback hits. With the injuries that have occurred on the offensive line, making Cam uncomfortable shouldn’t be an issue.

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn (99) rushes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn (99) rushes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

All things considered, Newton is fifth in the league in bad pass percentage at 18.6%. That’s the percentage of uncatchable and/or poorly thrown passes.

Getting consistent pressure on Newton with the likes of Vic Beasley Jr. and Adrian Clayborn is essential. Beasley posted two sacks in both games versus Carolina last season and also made himself quite known to Newton with several recorded pressures.

While racking up sacks is the ultimate goal, frustrating Newton by creating pressure will take a group effort. Having interior pressure with defensive tackles Grady Jarrett and Jonathan Babineaux is equally important.

Home/Atlanta Falcons News