2012 Opponent Preview: Atlanta Falcons face Carolina Panthers in Week 4, Washington Redskins in Week 5
It’s the third episode of Atlanta Falcons’ series of opponent preview. In this edition, we will preview games of Week 4 and 5 that will be played against Carolina Panthers and Washington Redskins respectively.
Both the opponents are coming from a disastrous season and will be looking for a comeback performance this time.
Week 4: Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers will be on the field with better players who can provide better results after a disastrous 2011 season in which they finished 6-10.
Cam Newton was the star performer for Panthers. He was phenomenal in his rookie season, beating Peyton Manning’s all-time record of most yards covered by a rookie in a season. He also scored 21 touchdowns.
Panthers are building an offence with Newton being the core of it. They have added wide receiver Steve Smith who will give Newton a much needed support.
Playing alongside a player like Newton will also be helpful in Smith’s upbringing as a professional player.
The defensive team still has not much talent to go with. Although they have players like Charles Johnson and Jon Beason, they don’t have the talent alongside to support them.
However, they will come up with better strategies this season as they have a head coach with the reputation of putting up a good defensive team on the field.
Head-to-Head
Falcons and Panthers have played 34 games against each other. Falcons have won 22 games and Panthers have won 12 games.
Week 5: Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins are hoping for a better output this season with new addition on the roster. Last season, they finished 5-11 which was fair enough with the roster they had.
Redskins were lucky this offseason as they traded up their pick with the St. Louis Rams in this year’s draft to get a talented quarterback Robert Griffin III (RG3).
RG3 is an exciting talent coming with an outstanding college record. Griffin will have to face a tough rookie season as he does not have much talent around him.
It will be interesting to see how Griffin manages his game with such an average team to work with.
The defence is looking better with the likes of Stephen Bowen and Jarvis Jenkins in the team. The defensive team is much more balanced and will create good amount of pressure to Falcons’ offence.
Head-to-Head
Falcons and Redskins have faced each other 22 times. Falcons have won 14 while Redskins have won seven games. One game ended in a tie.
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