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CAROLINA
ATLANTA |
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| 315 | CAROLINA | 47.5 | 48.5 | | 316 | ATLANTA | -3.5 | -3 |
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| All Games | 6-8 | +0.1 | 7-8 | 8-7 | 20.3 | 7.9 | 349.2 | (5.4) | 1.5 | 24.7 | 12.9 | 343.3 | (5.7) | 1.5 | | Road Games | 2-4 | +0.6 | 3-4 | 6-1 | 22.7 | 9.6 | 367.6 | (5.3) | 1.3 | 30.4 | 18.3 | 354.1 | (6) | 1.0 | | Last 3 Games | 3-0 | +5 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 25.7 | 14.3 | 430.3 | (5.8) | 1.0 | 13.3 | 5.3 | 275.0 | (5.2) | 2.0 | | Dome Games | 1-0 | +3 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 41.0 | 24.0 | 497.0 | (6.8) | 0.0 | 10.0 | 3.0 | 310.0 | (4.7) | 2.0 | | Division Games | 3-2 | +3.6 | 3-2 | 1-4 | 21.4 | 9.2 | 368.6 | (5.7) | 1.0 | 17.6 | 6.6 | 316.4 | (5.1) | 2.2 |
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| Offense (All Games) | 20.3 | 7.9 | 22.0 | 32:21 | 29-123 | (4.2) | 21-35 | 59.9% | 227 | (6.4) | 65-349 | (5.4) | (17.2) | | Opponents Defensive Avg. | 23.1 | 11.4 | 20.9 | 31:35 | 27-111 | (4.1) | 22-35 | 63.3% | 246 | (6.9) | 62-357 | (5.7) | (15.4) | | Offense Road Games | 22.7 | 9.6 | 22.7 | 34:55 | 32-141 | (4.4) | 23-37 | 60.9% | 227 | (6.1) | 69-368 | (5.3) | (16.2) | | Defense (All Games) | 24.7 | 12.9 | 19.5 | 28:37 | 25-115 | (4.5) | 22-34 | 65.0% | 228 | (6.6) | 60-343 | (5.7) | (13.9) | | Opponents Offensive Avg. | 23.4 | 11.4 | 20.7 | 30:46 | 26-112 | (4.3) | 23-36 | 63.2% | 249 | (7) | 62-360 | (5.8) | (15.4) | | Defense Road Games | 30.4 | 18.3 | 20.0 | 27:14 | 25-109 | (4.4) | 23-34 | 66.4% | 245 | (7.1) | 59-354 | (6) | (11.6) |
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| Stats For (All Games) | 0.8 | 0.7 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 14-6 | 42.0% | 1-0 | 66.7% | 2-52 | (21.8) | 2-17 | (9) | 5-48 | | Opponents Avg. Stats Against | 0.9 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 13-5 | 40.9% | 1-0 | 53.9% | 2-57 | (23.6) | 13-2 | (7.3) | 6-56 | | Stats For (Road Games) | 0.9 | 0.4 | 1.3 | -0.3 | 16-7 | 47.3% | 1-1 | 66.7% | 2-48 | (22.5) | 2-15 | (7.9) | 6-52 | | Stats Against (All Games) | 0.8 | 0.7 | 1.5 | | 13-5 | 42.3% | 1-0 | 50.0% | 1-32 | (31.8) | 2-29 | (15.5) | 6-48 | | Opponents Avg. Stats For | 0.9 | 0.6 | 1.5 | | 13-5 | 41.1% | 1-0 | 46.7% | 2-54 | (23.6) | 17-2 | (9.4) | 7-56 | | Stats Against (Road Games) | 0.7 | 0.3 | 1.0 | | 13-6 | 47.8% | 0-0 | 33.3% | 1-35 | (34.7) | 2-44 | (19.4) | 6-44 |
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| All Games | 6-9 | -3.9 | 7-8 | 6-9 | 25.2 | 11.9 | 384.2 | (6.1) | 1.3 | 25.5 | 12.5 | 404.4 | (6.3) | 1.9 | | Home Games | 3-3 | -0.6 | 3-3 | 4-2 | 29.8 | 14.8 | 427.5 | (6.7) | 1.7 | 24.3 | 12.7 | 394.8 | (6.5) | 2.2 | | Last 3 Games | 1-2 | -0.1 | 2-1 | 1-2 | 29.0 | 9.0 | 425.0 | (7) | 0.7 | 28.0 | 19.3 | 409.3 | (6.5) | 1.3 | | Dome Games | 4-3 | +1.3 | 4-3 | 4-3 | 29.9 | 14.6 | 424.0 | (6.7) | 1.4 | 22.9 | 11.9 | 385.3 | (6.2) | 2.4 | | Division Games | 5-0 | +6.2 | 4-1 | 2-3 | 33.8 | 15.4 | 425.4 | (6.5) | 1.2 | 19.2 | 8.0 | 356.2 | (5.6) | 3.2 |
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| Offense (All Games) | 25.2 | 11.9 | 20.9 | 29:31 | 24-96 | (4) | 26-39 | 66.5% | 289 | (7.4) | 63-384 | (6.1) | (15.2) | | Opponents Defensive Avg. | 23.2 | 11.4 | 20.7 | 30:22 | 27-114 | (4.3) | 23-35 | 63.7% | 246 | (7) | 62-360 | (5.8) | (15.5) | | Offense Home Games | 29.8 | 14.8 | 21.5 | 30:34 | 25-102 | (4) | 26-38 | 68.6% | 326 | (8.5) | 63-427 | (6.7) | (14.3) | | Defense (All Games) | 25.5 | 12.5 | 22.7 | 30:36 | 28-114 | (4.1) | 23-37 | 63.5% | 291 | (7.9) | 64-404 | (6.3) | (15.8) | | Opponents Offensive Avg. | 22.4 | 10.8 | 20.5 | 30:01 | 26-106 | (4.1) | 22-36 | 62.5% | 245 | (6.9) | 62-351 | (5.7) | (15.7) | | Defense Home Games | 24.3 | 12.7 | 22.0 | 29:43 | 23-92 | (4.1) | 25-38 | 65.4% | 302 | (7.9) | 61-395 | (6.5) | (16.2) |
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| Stats For (All Games) | 0.9 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 13-6 | 44.3% | 1-0 | 53.8% | 3-71 | (22.7) | 1-16 | (13.3) | 6-54 | | Opponents Avg. Stats Against | 0.9 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 13-5 | 40.4% | 1-0 | 53.2% | 2-52 | (23.8) | 15-2 | (7.8) | 7-59 | | Stats For (Home Games) | 0.8 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 13-7 | 51.3% | 0-0 | 33.3% | 3-59 | (22) | 2-28 | (16.6) | 7-56 | | Stats Against (All Games) | 1.1 | 0.8 | 1.9 | | 13-6 | 47.2% | 0-0 | 57.1% | 2-53 | (22.9) | 2-16 | (10.2) | 6-47 | | Opponents Avg. Stats For | 0.9 | 0.6 | 1.5 | | 13-5 | 40.8% | 1-0 | 46.4% | 2-52 | (23.4) | 16-2 | (9) | 6-54 | | Stats Against (Home Games) | 1.2 | 1.0 | 2.2 | | 11-5 | 42.0% | 0-0 | 100.0% | 2-36 | (21.5) | 1-11 | (11.2) | 6-47 |
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| | Average power rating of opponents played: CAROLINA 19.9, ATLANTA 18.7 |
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| 10/30/2014 | NEW ORLEANS | 10-28 | L | 3 | L | 49 | U | 23-109 | 10-28-122 | 2 | 37-105 | 24-34-270 | 2 | | 11/10/2014 | @ PHILADELPHIA | 21-45 | L | 7.5 | L | 48.5 | O | 32-102 | 25-40-215 | 5 | 23-37 | 20-38-328 | 0 | | 11/16/2014 | ATLANTA | 17-19 | L | 2.5 | W | 46.5 | U | 25-106 | 23-37-285 | 2 | 27-86 | 31-45-260 | 1 | | 11/30/2014 | @ MINNESOTA | 13-31 | L | 2.5 | L | 41.5 | O | 33-178 | 18-35-170 | 1 | 24-92 | 15-21-118 | 0 | | 12/7/2014 | @ NEW ORLEANS | 41-10 | W | 9 | W | 50 | O | 40-271 | 21-33-226 | 0 | 17-92 | 29-49-218 | 2 | | 12/14/2014 | TAMPA BAY | 19-17 | W | -3.5 | L | 41 | U | 32-121 | 25-40-269 | 1 | 23-151 | 13-28-136 | 3 | | 12/21/2014 | CLEVELAND | 17-13 | W | -6 | L | 40 | U | 45-209 | 18-31-195 | 2 | 22-84 | 10-21-144 | 1 | | 12/28/2014 | @ ATLANTA | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| 11/9/2014 | @ TAMPA BAY | 27-17 | W | -3 | W | 47 | U | 28-110 | 20-31-212 | 0 | 23-92 | 27-43-281 | 3 | | 11/16/2014 | @ CAROLINA | 19-17 | W | -2.5 | L | 46.5 | U | 27-86 | 31-45-260 | 1 | 25-106 | 23-37-285 | 2 | | 11/23/2014 | CLEVELAND | 24-26 | L | -2.5 | L | 48.5 | O | 23-63 | 27-43-252 | 2 | 29-162 | 23-41-313 | 3 | | 11/30/2014 | ARIZONA | 29-18 | W | 1 | W | 45 | O | 34-142 | 30-41-358 | 1 | 11-35 | 24-39-294 | 3 | | 12/8/2014 | @ GREEN BAY | 37-43 | L | 13.5 | W | 54.5 | O | 24-91 | 24-39-374 | 1 | 30-179 | 24-36-323 | 0 | | 12/14/2014 | PITTSBURGH | 20-27 | L | 3 | L | 55.5 | U | 20-97 | 26-37-310 | 1 | 22-45 | 27-35-353 | 0 | | 12/21/2014 | @ NEW ORLEANS | 30-14 | W | 6 | W | 56 | U | 22-81 | 30-40-322 | 0 | 18-57 | 30-47-271 | 4 | | 12/28/2014 | CAROLINA | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| |  | CAROLINA: The Panthers will remain one of the NFL's most run-heavy teams, employing a diverse number of looks in their ground attack. They still utilize a lot of zone-read plays featuring Cam Newton, who will likely lead all quarterbacks in rushing attempts again despite offseason ankle surgery. They run a lot of two-back looks with DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert on the field, giving them three running options between the tackles. Williams will likely hold off the injury-prone Jonathan Stewart for another year, with Kenjon Barner and rookie Tyler Gaffney battling for a roster spot.
Newton and offensive coordinator Mike Shula have their work cut out for them in the passing game after losing their top three receivers. The Carolina passing game works off of the running game, utilizing a lot of deep crossing patterns off play-action. They'll use a two- tight end base, with Ed Dickson playing in-line and Greg Olsen flexed out as their top receiving threat. Jerricho Cotchery provides another middle-of-the-field threat. Rookie Kelvin Benjamin takes over as the primary deep threat and can count on seeing the ball any time he's in single coverage. When they throw in the red zone, Olsen has always been Newton's favorite red-zone target, but Benjamin will surely take on a big role near the goal line, as he did at Florida State. Third receiver Jason Avant is better as a perimeter blocking presence than a pass-catcher at this point.
This defense became elite last year, finishing second in the NFL in both scoring defense and total defense, thanks to a league-best 60 sacks. The Panthers upgraded the secondary with CB Antoine Cason, SS Roman Harper and FS Thomas DeCoud. | | ATLANTA: The Falcons brought in long-time offensive line guru Mike Tice to try and revive their running game. He uses a scheme heavy in zone-blocking concepts, which should benefit the Falcons' relatively small front five. They'll likely try to keep Steven Jackson's workload reasonable during the regular season in order to keep him fresh for December and January. The No. 2 job will be an interesting battle between undersized veteran Jacquizz Rodgers, who will take a lot of passing-down snaps, and rookie Devonta Freeman, who fits the scheme well. Jackson will remain the primary runner in the red zone.
Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter has always tried to utilize a lot of deep shots, though injuries sabotaged his game plan a year ago. A healthy Julio Jones working downfield will once again be Matt Ryan's top target, with Roddy White working more underneath and crossing routes. They'll go three-wide more often this season, with slot receiver Harry Douglas poised to take on a bigger role. Koetter usually features his tight end heavily, though he may have to change it up this year with Tony Gonzalez retired and replaced by raw second-year man Levine Toilolo. Koetter also uses a lot of screen work for his backs. Koetter usually relies on Ryan to make plays in the red zone by calling a lot of play-action. Jones took on a huge red-zone role last year before getting hurt.
The Falcons defense was a huge disappointment last season, as the unit placed among the bottom-six NFL teams in sacks, points allowed and total yards allowed. None of Atlanta's new starters via free agency (DE Tyson Jackson, DT Paul Soliai and FS Dwight Lowery) will make a big enough difference to make this an above-average unit. |
| | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PA SPORTSTICKER PRO FOOTBALL PREVIEW (CAROLINA-ATLANTA) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*Panthers-Falcons Preview* ==========================
By NOEY KUPCHAN STATS Writer
While most six-win teams have turned their attention to next year, the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons surprisingly enter Week 17 with everything on the line.
These NFC South rivals are set to go toe-to-toe for the title in the NFL's weakest division, with Sunday's winner advancing to host a playoff game and the loser going home.
"It doesn't matter how you get there - you just have to get in," Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said. "We have a game at home and for us, if you win, you're in. Obviously this year has shaken out a lot different than any other year I've been a part of in our division. But even saying that, it doesn't matter. We are where we are, and we're excited about our chances."
The Falcons (6-9) remained alive in the race by winning 30-14 at New Orleans last Sunday, their first victory in three weeks. They sit one-half game behind the Panthers (6-8-1) and need to win Sunday to clinch the division, while Carolina would clinch with a win or tie.
The Panthers had taken three straight in the series before falling 19-17 in Week 11. Carolina won 21-20 on Dec. 29 to snap a five-game skid in Atlanta and clinch the 2013 division title.
The last team to make the playoffs with a losing record was Seattle (7-9) in 2010.
"We're in a great position," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. "We have a chance to do something that's never happened in the NFC South and that's (win) back-to-back division titles."
The Panthers went 11-1 down the stretch last season, and they appear to be coming together at just the right time again. Carolina gave up an average of 29.0 points during a six-game losing streak before winning all three games this month, a stretch in which it outscored opponents 77-40.
The Panthers are 14-3 in December since Rivera took over in 2011, the second-best record in the NFL during that time behind New England (15-2).
"There was a two-month stretch where we didn't win. But you have 16 games, and every team's road is different. Our road has been difficult," All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly told the team's official website. "We just had to tweak a couple things and by the time December rolled around, we were a team that was ready to roll. We got hot at the right time. We just have to keep rolling now."
Carolina's recent success is due in part to a healthy Cam Newton, who is starting to regain his form after dealing with ankle and rib injuries earlier this year. The two-time Pro Bowler missed the opener and also sat out a Week 15 victory over Tampa Bay just days after an automobile wreck left him with two fractures in his lower back, but he returned for last Sunday's 17-13 win over Cleveland.
Newton threw for 201 yards with a touchdown and an interception, adding 12 carries for 63 yards and another score. He has two rushing TDs in his last two games, matching his total from his first 11.
Jonathan Stewart has also provided a huge boost with an NFL-leading 437 rushing yards over the last four weeks. He missed three games earlier this year with a knee issue, but the oft-injured back figures to carry the load again with DeAngelo Williams dealing with a broken right hand.
"Stew is hitting the holes, making the right reads and the offensive line is blocking their (butts) off too," fullback Mike Tolbert said. "He's a guy that has had opportunities during his career, but has had some ups and downs with injuries. Now he is getting his chance to shine and making the most of it."
The Falcons also have plenty to be excited about after getting Julio Jones back last week after a one-game absence due to a hip injury. Jones had seven catches for 107 yards against the Saints, giving him 28 receptions for 555 yards over a three-game stretch.
Jones has racked up 1,535 receiving yards, second in the league, and ranks third with a career-best 100 catches.
"Obviously he's been hurting the last couple of weeks and for him to gut it out, I think that speaks volumes about his great toughness but also showcases what a stud he is," Ryan said. "When he's out there he's making plays that a lot of other people aren't capable of making."
Atlanta placed safety William Moore on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, and running back Steven Jackson (quad) is uncertain to be available. The Falcons are averaging 95.7 rushing yards to rank 24th in the NFL, but they're 5-1 when they run it at least 25 times.
Aside from a postseason berth, Atlanta's Mike Smith could be coaching for his job after putting together back-to-back losing records. The Falcons went 4-12 last year after five consecutive winning seasons.
"I know that's a subject that everybody wants to talk about," Smith said. "As I said four or five weeks ago, and I hope this is the last time I have to answer it, I'm going to prepare just like I've done for the seven years that I've been here. My focus is on winning football games and winning the next football game and I'm going to continue to do that until (owner) Arthur Blank tells me differently."
Game Notes: |
| | Last Updated: 4/23/2024 3:09:12 PM EST. |
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