So many days separate the Falcons and Panthers from the time they faced each other. And we all remember what happened 10 days ago, right? It should still be fresh in everyone’s minds.
Well, if you get a reset from that point, the game went to overtime, and the Falcons won at Younghoe Koo Stadium.
Now, they are set for another NFC South rivalry game. That’s just in time for Thursday Night Football.
Although the Week 8 matchup against these two teams was amazing, this upcoming event is shaping up to be one for the books.
With all that said, let’s take a closer look at this match before kick off at 8:15pm. on Amazon Prime.
1. Combatting a quick turnaround
For coaches at this level, every game is a chess game. Read also : Matt Ryan throws long | Falcons at Work. But when you’re facing an opponent you played 10 days ago in an overtime match, the game of chess becomes more complicated.
All three Falcons executives said the same thing Tuesday: There are pros and cons to this quick transition. The pros? You are familiar with your opponent. The con? They are used to you.
So, what does that mean for the Falcons facing Carolina again this Thursday? Defensive coordinator Dean Pees said it best.
“With both staffs I think it’s more about doing what you want to do and what you feel like you believe in your team as much as it is about the enemy team,” Pees said. “It looks like you’re not going to change the whole system in two weeks. … He’s better than us, and I betcha if you’re in Carolina, they’re saying he’s better than them than us.”
“Here’s how we’re going to play. Here’s what we need to do,” Pees said.
How this chess game plays out should be very interesting to watch.
2) Left guard switch up… again
For the third time in as many games, the Falcons will start a new man at left guard. Elijah Wilkinson won the job before the start of the season and has since played well for the Falcons. Read also : Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Philadelphia Eagles preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field, Thursday, August 12, 2021.. However, he was placed on injured reserve last week due to a knee injury.
In his place he put Matt Hennessy, who has been working at left guard since he lost his starting job to Drew Dalman in Week 1. Hennessy held his own at the start of the 2022 season, but a knee injury in the second half sent him he. to the side. Hennessy tried to return for Sunday’s game against the Chargers but was unable to. Colby Gossett finished the game at left guard, and Hennessy joined Wilkinson on IR with a knee injury, as well.
Thursday night’s game against the Panthers will be Gossett’s second start of the season. It was Gossett — not Hennessy — who played left tackle in Seattle when Wilkinson missed Week 3 while dealing with a personal matter.
Although there was a change in the left guard, the Falcons were not worried about it, because they were able to find consistency on the line of scrimmage even in the change.
“I think the biggest thing is to have a room where every guy really — and I can vouch for that — comes to work every day, works hard,” Jake Matthews said of playing with a left guard. protection. . “We trust them, they know what to do … and I think everyone is responsible.”
Gossett played well when he came in quietly. He will have another test on Thursday in Carolina.
3. Stopping the run, and D.J. Moore, too
It is not hidden that both teams want to run the ball, what is the success of both teams recently. We already talked this week about Atlanta establishing a run through the first nine weeks of the season. Read also : How to watch ‘Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team’ season 16 finale tonight with or without cable. But what is Carolina? Well, the Falcons should have an idea of what to try, too.
The last time these two teams met, the rushing stats were pretty close.
Carolina rushed for 169 yards on 36 carries, an average of 4.7 yards per carry.
Atlanta rushed for 167 yards on 37 carries, an average of 4.5 yards per carry.
Expect to see similarities in what both teams want to do on Thursday, especially if the weather turns out to be as bad as predicted. If so, both teams may decide they don’t want to take too many chances through the air.
If Carolina tries to go that route, though, the Falcons will have to count D.J. Panthers wide receiver Moore was hot on the Falcons’ sideline in Atlanta. At the end of their Week 8 game, Moore had 152 yards receiving on six carries. Although one of those receptions was a 62-yard catch, even without it Moore was still knocking on the door to a 100-yard receiving day. Accounting for him when the Panthers look for depth will be important. on Thursday.
-Stop running-Know where #2 is at all times
4. Quarterback carousel in Carolina
Although PJ Walker has been the Panthers starter for the past three games, he was benched against the Bengals last week after a rough start to the game in which he threw two interceptions. Back from injury, Baker Mayfield finished the game for Carolina.
Earlier in the week, Sam Darnold returned to practice while dealing with an injury the last time the Falcons faced the Panthers. It looks like the Falcons will be preparing for the possibility that Walker, Mayfield and Darnold could be available for the Panthers this Thursday.
Interim coach Steve Wilks was asked about that possibility on Monday, but confirmed that the Panthers will stick with Walker under center. His reasons have to do with 1) playing on a short week and 2) the fact that Walker played well in Atlanta the previous two weeks.
This is also true. Walker finished Week 8 with 19 completions for 317 yards, an average of 8.8 yards an attempt.
Don’t count out Mayfield’s appearance, though, if things start to go the other way Thursday night. Nope,
“They’re probably going to play two (quarterbacks) again,” Pees said during his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
The Falcons are fully aware that they will be seeing Carolina’s offense — at one point — through a different quarterback than they faced the first time around. If this happens, it will be important to monitor how the Falcons defense responds.
5. Facing a group of angry Panthers
After the way the last game with these two division rivals ended, you’d better believe that the Falcons will get the better of the Panthers. With the game going to overtime, and a goaltender who hasn’t missed a single but a game-winning shot in two games, Carolina will be out for blood.
There is no doubt that they will rise in the game on Thursday night. Heck, just remove the finale entirely if you want. Even if the Falcons and Panthers didn’t go to overtime 10 days ago, this is still a great game. Thursday Night Football at home against a regional rival? Yes, this is nothing. They will not be public.
With that in mind, it’s important that the Falcons come out with that fire. For Atlanta, this isn’t a revenge game like it is for Carolina. For the Falcons, it’s a statement game, especially if they can play more consistently than they did in their last faceoff.
The Falcons pulled out a home win. A big win is something they should be hoping for and playing on Thursday night.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Keith Smith #40 chases the fans during the second game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons )
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Fans walk through the Dirty Birds Nest March before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Jay Bendlin/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 scores a touchdown in the second half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons )
AJ Reynolds/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jake Matthews #70 after the coin before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #37 looks on before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Fans cheer during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
AJ Reynolds/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons player Younghoe Koo #7 celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/ Atlanta Falcons)
Matthew Grimes/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Fans cheer after their game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
AJ Reynolds/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Fans walk through the Dirty Birds Nest March before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Jay Bendlin/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Fans cheer before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
AJ Reynolds/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Todd McClure Ring of Honor ceremony during halftime of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Fans cheer after a kickoff during the first half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
AJ Reynolds/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jake Matthews #70 prepares to take the field before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Darren Hall #34 warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons player Younghoe Koo #7 shines before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons player Younghoe Koo #7 celebrates after scoring the game-winning field goal in overtime against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Ford #28 before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons safety Dean Marlowe #21 before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank reacts after a win against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Damiere Byrd #14 runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Grady Jarrett #97 before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Fans cheer after a kickoff during the first half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Jay Bendlin/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Cornell Armstrong #22 reacts after breaking a pass in the first game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo (from Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
VIPs and influencers stand on the red carpet before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Jay Bendlin/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 is seen on the sideline during the first game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Lorenzo Carter #9 celebrates after scoring against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Photos from pregame events against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Jay Bendlin/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 rushes during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Kyle Hess/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Mike Ford #28 reacts after the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons )
Jay Bendlin/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 scores a field goal in the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Matthew Grimes/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 looks on during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Matthew Grimes/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons player Bradley Pinion #13 before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Kyle Hess/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Kyle Pitts #8 catches a pass in the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Kyle Hess/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons players huddle in the dugout before the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Matthew Grimes/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Cornell Armstrong #22 arrives before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Ford #28 arrives before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons player Younghoe Koo #7 scores a point after a first half effort against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/ Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 hands off to running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during the first game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/ Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Rashaan Evans #54 arrives before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons players warm up before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
A great view from the roof during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons safety Jovante Moffatt #20 arrives before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons player Younghoe Koo #7 walks out before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Brandon Magnus/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
A shot from the roof before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 30, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Shanna Lockwood/© 2022 Atlanta Falcons
