Atlanta Falcons look to continue their unbeaten run as they host Carolina Panthers – NFL Preview
It will be a great showdown between two National Football Conference (NFC) South teams as Carolina Panthers go on road to face Atlanta Falcons in Week 4 game on Sunday, September 30, 2012, at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia.
It seems that everything is going right for Falcons, who are leading the division after winning their first three games, for the first time in eight seasons. They are already two wins ahead of the rest of the teams in the division.
Falcons’ amazing record is largely due to the fact that their offence is in extraordinary form with quarterback Matt Ryan at his peak.
Ryan currently has a 114.0 quarterback rating. He has scored eight touchdowns in three games which is a joint highest in the league this season.
The quarterback is relying on confidence of his team to take another win in their bag come Sunday. Ryan said:
"The confidence level across the board is probably higher than it's been. That's not to say we haven't been confident in the past. We've had some good football teams in the past."
On the other hand, his counterpart, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, has seen a change of fortune this season as he has so far failed to perform like he did in the 2011 season.
The last season’s Rookie of the Year has struggled big time this year, failing to lead an offence which has been lacklustre so far.
Panthers (1-2) will have to get more organised offensively in order to stand any chance of taking on the Falcons stiff defence.
Newton was unable to perform well in the two games he played against Falcons last season. With the lack of confidence that he is currently persisting with, it will be a tough nut to crack for the former first-round pick.
Moreover, Panthers have failed to win their last four games against Falcons. However, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera is confident that his team will be able to get back to winning ways. Talking about the upcoming tie, Rivera said:
"It is a divisional game, but the truth is, your biggest game is the one you are about to play. (But) I guess as far as the record goes and being in our division, yes it means a lot, it is a big game."
Defensively, Falcons have a stronger team on the ground as compared to Panthers. They have made seven interceptions which is the highest in the league for this season so far.
Panthers defence will be boosted by return of the defensive linebacker Thomas Davis who returned to practice on Monday, September 24.
Meanwhile, offensive tackle Byron Bell and running back Jonathan Stewart are also likely to play on Sunday.
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