Following an unimpressive season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Atlanta Falcons are hoping to avoid an 0-2 start on Sunday. Last time out, their offense was invisible, as they mustered just 13 points, turned the ball over twice, were penalized nine times, and missed two field goals last week.
More than anything, Kevin Stefanski and company are hoping the operations are much cleaner in Week 2, even if the QB play isn't good. And their first test of that will be in their home opener against the division rival Carolina Panthers, who are reeling after a 59-37 loss to Chicago last weekend.
Carolina has had the Falcons' number in recent seasons, so we made sure to talk to a Panthers expert to discuss the matchup. Cat Crave site expert Dean Jones offered some interesting (and worrying) analysis that could affect Atlanta's hopes of beating them for the first time since October of 2024.
Carolina Panthers expert lets Falcons know how Week 2 could go
Q: The Panthers are coming off of their first NFC South title since 2015. How confident are you in their chances of going back-to-back in this division?
A: Quietly confident. I don't need to tell you the NFC South isn't exactly loaded. The Panthers have flaws, but they are a young squad all learning and growing together. Once the defense finds its groove, they'll be a tough out for almost anybody.
Q: As far as this division rivalry goes, the Panthers have had the Falcons' number in the last couple of matchups, but that was with Raheem Morris. How does having Kevin Stefanski change the way you evaluate this Falcons team?
A: Not really. He's going to run the football a lot, but that's kind of a given with someone like Bijan Robinson. If they can restrict his influence, the Panthers will always have a chance, especially given Carolina has had Jeff Ulbrich's number more often than not.
Q: Bryce Young is one of the more polarizing starting quarterbacks in the NFL, but he looked particularly impressive last weekend. What growth have you noticed from the former No. 1 pick since the end of the last season?
A: His comfort level. Bryce Young looks the part now, and he's carrying himself like a franchise quarterback. He's always had poise and a high football IQ. What we are seeing now is supreme confidence, complete control, and a player ready to take the next step toward a lucrative contract extension.
Q: Carolina got hit with some major injuries back when training camp first started. How have they responded to some of those losses in the starting lineup?
A: Nic Scourton's loss is being felt, especially with Patrick Jones II also missing in Week 1. Losing your top two offensive tackles is not ideal, but Rasheed Walker and first-round pick Monroe Freeling have done an adequate job so far. Chris Brazzell II was expected to be a complementary wide receiver with downfield capabilities. Nobody else has filled that void as yet, but it didn't stop the Panthers from being aggressive during Brad Idzik's first game as the play-caller.
Q: The Panthers are coming off of a pretty brutal Week 1 loss to the Bears. What exactly was it that went wrong in this game?
A: Defense. Ejiro Evero is coming under fire, but the players didn't execute. They broke edge containment against the run too often, were out of position, missed tackles, and just weren't ready to play. Everything on offense went as expected, but given the investments made on the defensive side, this was deeply disappointing.
Q: Who were the big training camp/summer standouts for the Panthers? Who impressed the most in the Week 1 loss?
A: Jalen Coker was phenomenal in Week 1. The wide receiver got a new deal this offseason, and he now has back-to-back career games after a standout performance against the Los Angeles Rams in last year's playoffs. Jonathon Brooks caught the eye over the summer, and the running back came through his first game in almost two years unscathed last weekend.
Q: The big storyline of the Panthers’ offseason was their spending spree in free agency, bringing in both Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd. What impact have these two made on improving the defense?
A: Jaelan Phillips brings pressure. The Panthers couldn't generate much of that last season, and it made a big difference against the Bears. They couldn't do much about Caleb Williams' ability to scramble, but Phillips frequently got into the backfield.
Devin Lloyd didn't have the best debut despite gaining 13 tackles. The Panthers are expecting him to contribute in all phases, and he is easily the best linebacker this team has had since Luke Kuechly. Hopefully, the best is yet to come.
Q: What is the Panthers’ greatest weakness the Falcons could potentially take advantage of in Week 2?
A: Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. The Panthers have to be more disciplined against the run. Otherwise, Bijan Robinson will run all over them.
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