Comments on: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons NFL Betting Lines & Predictions

By: M Franklin

M Franklin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:11:19 +0000

Best to you and Carolina as well… after you kindly, of course, lose to Atlanta on your way :)

(Daddy said to keep your enemies close because you just cain’t trust them at a distance;)

By: Jimmy Boyd

Jimmy Boyd — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:33:46 +0000

Good stuff M. Franklin. Would be pretty clever of the Falcons to come out firing with Ryan through the air this week, but this team is very confident in its running game. Atlanta had good success running Turner in last year’s home meeting, but that may have the Panthers ready to key on the running game. I still think the Falcons will look to run the football as they do it very well. But whether they run it or throw short, as you mention, what they are trying to accomplish is the same thing – get the Panthers’ defense sucked up so they can hit a big play with White or Gonzalez. Once again, thanks for the good analysis.

By: M Franklin

M Franklin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:21:53 +0000

Actually, I expect the Falcons to NOT take a page from the Eagles’ playbook.

I would normally expect to see them open with a hard nosed running game, to see of there are any immediate weaknesses in the Panthers’ D line that can be exploited. But this Sunday, I am expecting to see Ryan passing short to Norwood/Turner & Finneran on early downs (1st & 2nd) and running draws and screens on hard 3rd downs… at least through the first two possessions. This will keep the Carolina D honest as they will be keying on Turner to try and pop out of the backfield. Once they loosen up, look for the long posts and crossing routes to White and Gonzales, respectively… something that’s likely to become a trademark as the season wears on.

But then again… what do I know?

;)