Can the Carolina Panthers, through all the adversity and the all the incoming rain, break their six-game losing streak and notch their second win of the 2023 campaign?
If they do, here are four key matchups in Week 15 that’ll help them get there:
Panthers iOL vs. Falcons DTs Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata
Onyemata, who is dealing with an ankle injury, did not play in last week’s loss to Tampa Bay and has been listed as questionable for this one. So he’s no sure thing.
The Panthers are probably hoping it stays that way, as he and Jarrett combined for 11 pressures of quarterback Bryce Young in Week 1. If Onyemata is a go, center Bradley Bozeman and the young guard duo of Cade Mays and Nash Jensen will be extra busy.
Panthers WR Adam Thielen vs. Falcons CB Dee Alford
If the weather is as nasty as it’s forecasted to be, Thielen will be of even greater importance to a paltry Panthers passing game. The less-than-ideal conditions should push offensive coordinator Thomas Brown to get the ball out of Young’s hands quickly—and the 33-year-old vet is the only receiver this offense can rely upon for at least a little separation.
Alford, who was charged with all of Thielen’s 12 yards in the season opener, is Atlanta’s primary slot defender.
Panthers DT Derrick Brown vs. Falcons iOL
The Panthers may have a favorable interior matchup of their own, and it’s thanks to their Pro Bowl-worthy wrecking ball.
Not only is Brown currently in the middle of a career year, but he’s also being served up his favorite meal on the menu this weekend—bird. Over his last three games against the Falcons, Brown has recorded 26 tackles (five for a loss) and 1.5 sacks.
Panthers OLB Brian Burns vs. Falcons RT Storm Norton
Usual starting right tackle Kaleb McGary will be missing his second straight outing on Sunday. But Norton filled in quite admirably last week, allowing just one pressure over 44 chances.
Can Burns, however, start up a different kind of storm and get back in the sack column?
