NFL Playbook gives the edge to ATL

[Mr Mojo Risin]

Yeah I saw that. Mostly fair analysis. I do think some analyst are overlooking or ignoring the improved play of the Panthers.

Evans and McGinnist has no faith in Carolina, after previewing our matchup, the host made the comment that if the Panthers win they'd be the first ever back to back NFC South champs and Evans said "that's not going to happen", and McGinnist adds "congratulations Atlanta".

Fug them both. Sunday, history will be made.

[SgtJoo]

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/game-previews/2014/week-17-game-previews

 

Atlanta's advantage in this game starts with special teams. (Actually, it starts with home field, then special teams.) Carolina has the worst special teams in the league this year according to FO ratings. The worst part of the unit, by far, is punting. It's not just the two blocked punts by Minnesota; the Panthers have also allowed 17 returns of over 10 yards, more than any team except Oakland. The Falcons have two strengths on special teams this year. One is field goals, where Matt Bryant has been excellent and ranks third in the league. The other is some dude named Devin Hester. Perhaps you have heard of him? 

 

Atlanta's big weakness, of course, can be generally categorized as "the entire defense," as the Falcons rank dead last in defensive DVOA. 

 

Carolina may have a run-first scheme but the Panthers do better passing on first downs. The Panthers rank 13th in offense when passing on first down, but 20th running; the Falcons are 30th against first-down passes, 26th against the run.

 

The Carolina defense has been a lot better than the Atlanta defense this year... but then again, so has the Atlanta offense. The Falcons are a much stronger passing team (no. 7 DVOA) than running team (No. 20), but the Panthers have been a much stronger pass defense (No. 13) than run defense (No. 24).

 

A matchup between Mike "Wuss Out" Smith and "Riverboat Ron" Rivera is going to have extra attention on fourth-and-1 decisions, so it's worth noting that these are two of the worst front sevens this season against short-yardage runs. The Panthers have allowed 78 percent conversions (28th) while the Falcons have allowed 79 percent (30th).

[CPcavedweller]

He can run on them...

But 28 is more the methodical type. 120 yards? Sounds good....but if we are playing Shula ball and we only have 300 total yards on O we might not be putting up points.

Being gashed by the pass is Atl's issue. We need to run 28 but be more pass heavy IMO. Can't be conservative early.

Need to get a lead early

Run 28 between the tackles and play action pass down the boundaries. That's where Cam is most effective.

[†William Moore†]

History is gonna be made either way. Either the Panthers will be first back-to-back or the Falcons will be the first 6-0 sweep.

[mc52beast]

Hog mollies gotta impose their will, if we can't run and are forced to pass it's going to be difficult to win.