Panthers VS Failcons: Five Matchups To Watch For

[Saca312]

This weekend, the Panthers are getting ready to take on the Failcants in the stadium, ready to crush their delusion of being an actual competent team that'll make the Superbowl and having an "amazing defense."

As with any game, match-ups and how they play out will typically decide whether or not certain teams win. Last time, the matchups with the secondary played to the Failcons favor, but this go around, it's a whole different story. 

Here's what I believe will be key in this game on Christmas Eve.

1. CB James Bradberry VS WR Julio Jones

There's no denying that Julio Jones is probably one of the best receivers in the game right now. He's big, he runs routes, and he'll beat you good if you aren't careful.

Last time the Panthers met, WR Julio Jones went for 300+ yards and gave Matt Ryan an insane game. Some of that is the coaches assuming Ealy wouldn't regress like he did, and CJ would work as an every down DE, leading to no good rotation and hindering the current sack leader Mario Addison from getting much playing time at all. However, most of this yardage can be attributed to the disappointing play of Bene, who attributed his mistakes to lack of conditioning after suffering a broken leg in 2015. 

In fact, take a look at these plays:

All of these are cover 3 looks where Bene got beat. Real bad.

Did I mention the first gif was on 3 and 17? Yeah...

This go around, the Panthers have found their pass rush that was non-existent their first go around. James Bradberry isn't injured this time, and he's playing lights-out. He will be matching up against arguably one of the greatest receivers of all time, and it certainly won't be an easy task.

However, why am I excited about the prospect of a rookie going against such a great receiver, and why is @Jeremy Igo also excited?

It's rather simple.James Bradberry is churning into a really good cornerback.

In case you missed it, James Bradberry was at one point rated as the best rookie corner from the draft - 22nd best CB in the NFL - and currently he's number 24 (mainly due to low run blocking grades) only behind Raven's rookie CB Tavon Young.

I always go back to that TNF game against the Saints to really show his unbelievable work, but honestly he is light-years ahead of where rookies are supposed to be at this stage.

First off, he's rough against receivers. Look at him pressing a Saint WR:

Literally roughs him, makes him stagger against his sheer power, and forces the receiver to instead turn a different direction.

He is physical; he's big; and he takes no nonsense.

Not only that, but he's at the point where he's aware of the field more. Just watch a few plays later where he saves Kurt Coleman after being beat by going after the TD-saving pass breakup (I seriously post this too much, but I love it).

He is completely aware of what's going on, notices that Kurt let a receiver bail him, and is able to recognize Brees is throwing to that guy. Bradberry in turn leaves his receiver and goes for the play, preventing what would be a touchdown.

Also, check out the first play against the redskins. He was all over the receiver and slammed the ball away. 

Shows good athleticism and awareness and prevents the short pass. Really nice play to set the tone.

Also, a few plays later, he makes a great stop that could've been a 20 yard gainer with how he's the lone back.

He hits the legs and trips the running back up, making what would've been a huge gain to just about 2 yards. He's able to prevent Kelley from making any notable moves on him and goes straight for the stop. 

He's making plays, and he's looking good. Not many rookie cornerbacks play at this high of a level this early, and Bradberry is showing why he's one to not mess with. 

Also to note is he held the likes of Amari Cooper, Brandin Cooks, and others to very few yards when targeted. Heck, even against Jackson he was good, and the only reason stats don't show it is because of Jackson's insane 2 catches - initially ruled incomplete - that no one could cover.

This time, he's getting his first real test against a top WR - arguably the best in the game - in Julio Jones. 

Well one thing is for sure. Julio Jones will not get near the 300 yard mark. I'm willing to say he gets 90 yards max on a bad day for us, and likely only 50-60 yards. He may even be shut out, as Bradberry has shown he can do in the past.

2. TE Greg Olsen VS S Keanu Neal

I'll give credit where it's due. S Keanu Neal has been praised lately for some nice work he's been doing. While no one is definitely mistaking him as Kam Chancellor or an All-Pro, he's certainly not as bad as he was in the beginning of the year.

However, he hasn't had much of a test recently, going against the likes of the 49ers and Rams all world offenses.

According to ESPN, whenever the Falcons employ man to man schemes, Keanu Neal will the be one covering Olsen. That right there is a matchup issue for anyone, especially a rookie. Keanu Neal is about to take in a heavy dose of a motivated Olsen, just 8 yards away from eclipsing a 3rd 1000 yard season in a row.

Let's take a look at some of Olsen's plays from this year.

Against the 49ers, Olsen just blows through the defense for an easy big play. 

Exploiting the coverage, he gains huge yards for an easy touchdown. Makes a little turn, then just breaks loose.

Check out these two other plays:

Give him space in any zone coverage and he'll exploit it. If your safeties are not able to stay disciplined and account for Olsen, and your linebackers aren't either - you're in for a long day indeed. 

Olsen is just a smart beast. He's athletic and reliable to make the good catches, and he'll make you pay.

Man to man, Olsen has been noted to exploit that. He'll take a quick turn or move and get you running to keep up.

He basically has the route tree implanted in his brain, and his football IQ is insane. 

There's a reason he's highly considered as a likely HoF candidate in the near future. He's one of a kind, and eclipsing a 3rd 1000 yard season in a row - which no other TE has done before - will just be the icing on the cake of the amazing story of Olsen.

Rising from being trashed by the Bears, to breaking out with the Panthers.

S Keanu Neal has a lot to work with.

3. RB Jonathan Stewart V.S. ATL Run Defense

Atlanta currently ranks 14th in the league in run defense, allowing around 4.4 yards per gain. That's not too bad, but it's not ideal against an offense reliant on the run, especially when you don't have the DTs and LBs that are known to be disciplined towards it.

The last 2 times Atlanta and Carolina met, Jonathan Stewart was out and injured, and it showed. 

Carolina was unable to get the run game going, and backup CAP showed he can't block like Stewart. This of course led to a ton of pressure on Newton, leading to losses. Without a consistent run game and good blocking, the Panthers were unable to capitalize on many plays, and fell down.

This go around, Jonathan Stewart is back, and here's how much of a difference he'll make. Look at his blocking ability:

He picks up the blitz, makes a fine block, and allows for a rare KB catch with YAC.

 He's just a powerful and elusive back, and gets the tough, earned yards.

Check this play out:

Jonathan Stewart literally evades two defenders who grazed his legs, and then turns and redirects the defense in a way that should just never work out against NFL level defenses. You'd think you were seeing a good college back against this defense.

He uses his body and strength and gains every hard earned yard.

Check another play by Stewart:

A defender tries to get near him, and faces the J-Stew stiff arm. 

That right there is a no nonsense move that punishes defenders. He's able to show his power and strength, and gain the yards where most other RBs wouldn't get it.

The fact he isn't in the pro bowl is a crime indeed. He's just a powerful talent that really shows when he gets going.

Again, we see some more amazing stuff against the Chargers:

Does this amazing roll thing over the defender, and never touches the ground. He has a defender after gaining 5 yards at his legs, but keeps going on.

Replay solidified this was a legal run even after the somersault over the defender since he never touched the ground.

Just amazing stuff.

If the Falcons defense is able to stop Stewart, then that'll most likely stop the offense. However, with this momentum and Stewart getting healthy, along with a much improved interior when Trai is back at his natural spot, I can guarantee we'll have a running game for sure against this defense.

4. RT Daryl Williams VS DE Vic Beasley

Last time these two met, RT Daryl Williams got the better of Vic Beasley. Beasley was held off, and a non factor the whole game  due to Daryl's play.

Daryl has been injured the past few games, but he's fully participating in practice, likely back in time for a rematch.

Williams was once rated the best rookie tackle of his draft class before his injury that lead Remmers to start in 2015.  He's proven to be miles better than Remmers when playing, and he looks like the future at RT. 

His best competition included Dee Ford and Khalil Mack. He was able to hold off Dee Ford to just one sack, and Dee Ford was coming in as the Chiefs leading sack monster, with many commenting on how he may be one of the best upcoming pass rushers in the game. 

He also held off Mack to do nothing much before his injury. He's been getting great grades in most of the games he's in, and he's proven to be one of our better tackles.

This weekend, he gets to keep on proving why he's our future franchise RT, and hold of Vic Beasley yet again, proving yet again Remmers is just a backup while Daryl Williams is a solid starter. 

The only place I expect any decent pressure would be LT, unless the O-line shift proves to dismantle some chemistry between the C and interiors. 

Daryl Williams is key to this matchup, and it's amazing we basically now have starter quality players at every position except LT.

5. Panthers Defensive Front V.S. Failcons O-Line

The Panthers have found their pass rush, to say the least.

The Panthers are currently tied with the Broncos as sack leaders, but have more sack yards on fewer defensive snaps. So effectively, Panthers lead the league in sacks per snap, and sack yards. 

That's really good, considering our abysmal 7.5 sack rate before the week 7 bye.

What really has emerged is how our DE rotation changed, with Addison having a huge role.

Addison had 1 sack prior to the bye week, from what I believe, and with his bigger role he now has 7.5 sacks, and that includes the fact he missed the oakland and seattle games.

Charles Johnson has reemerged.

Kawann Short and Star have reemerged.

And our rotational DTs are balling.

Vernon Butler forces an interception with pressure. 

Thomas Davis doesn't show age.

Did I mention AJ Klein is amazing for a backup? 

Not only that, but the Panthers are 3rd in the league in run defense, and that's no easy feat to accomplish. 

Just look at this stuffed run for confirmation, and this play below:

 

I could post many more gifs, but I'm sort of busy.

The Panthers defense is a lot different than the one the Falcons saw pre-bye week, and even with how good their center and their oline has been playing, I think they won't enjoy our DEs exposing their tackles and our DTs exposing their OGs. 

Our LBs will keep their rbs in check.

I think this matchup will be in the Panthers D's momentum, with how good they've been lately.

Considering these match-ups, all I can say is that it'll be one heck of a game. 

 

 

 

 

[PhillyB]

isn't darryl williams out?

[Eazy-E]

26 minutes ago, PhillyB said:

isn't darryl williams out?

I believe they said he's back during practice today

[a girl is no one]

33 minutes ago, PhillyB said:

isn't darryl williams out?

Think he was a full participant in practice today. 

[iamhubby1]

49 minutes ago, PhillyB said:

isn't darryl williams out?

 

He is listed as limited on the Panther team site.

[iamhubby1]

Oh, and @Saca312 I appreciate the time and effort that went into that. And as much as it pains me to admit. I have nothing of import to argue against. Dang man, can you screw up a little next time. I really really like to pick on folks posts.

 

Good job. And Thanks.

[gmonjimbo]

I think the biggest factor will be energy level and physicality. The first game against Atlanta it did not seem like the Panthers were too concerned about winning while the Falcons had the game circled on their calendar since training camp. We did not match their intensity and lost the battle on both sides of the trenches. Anyway, offense must run the ball effectively and be able to pick up the blitz. Defense must get off the field on third down and make sure Michael Griffin does not play a single down. 

[Saca312]

Just now, PhillyB said:

isn't darryl williams out?

Full participation according to Voth:

http://blackandbluereview.com/panthers-falcons-injury-reports-dec-22/

Quote

 

Full

 

• WR Kelvin Benjamin (back)

 

• QB Cam Newton (shoulder): Was allowed to throw after Wednesday’s precautionary day.

 

• -----OT Daryl Williams (ankle): What was your favorite memory of the Trai Turner at RT era?-----

 

• S Tre Boston (finger)

 

• K Graham Gano (ankle)

 

 

[osiruz]

You forgot to mention that Vic Beasley has gotten infinetly better, and will most likely take Daryls lunch tommorw. Especially considering he's coming off injury. Your RB cam newton will be complaining about getting hit too hard once again after he finds out about our pass rush.

Sure Julio is coming off injury and might not have a big game. But our other speedy wrs can all expose your dbs and are going to be a match up nightmare for you.

34-23 falcons.

[Falcons1stPanthers2nd]

Good write up. Those are definitely the matchups to watch

[RumHam]

OP dishing out the Kool Aid

[Borat]

46 minutes ago, RumHam said:

OP dishing out the Kool Aid

[osiruz]

OP is smoking that crack:

1) Holding Julio to 50 yards will not stop our offense, not that its an easy task for a ROOKIE CB. Julio might have 60 yards in the first half alone.

2) I give you that Neal might struggle with Olsen, although Neal has gotten better.

3) JStew might not be much of a factor once we are up 10 points

4) Beasley only leads the NFL in sacks and fumbles. Should be an Easy assignment for an RT coming off ankle injury.

5) You might expose Chester and our RT occasionally, however I'm very sure Shanahan will be prepared for that.

[Falcons1stPanthers2nd]

3 hours ago, osiruz said:

OP is smoking that crack:

1) Holding Julio to 50 yards will not stop our offense, not that its an easy task for a ROOKIE CB. Julio might have 60 yards in the first half alone.

2) I give you that Neal might struggle with Olsen, although Neal has gotten better.

3) JStew might not be much of a factor once we are up 10 points

4) Beasley only leads the NFL in sacks and fumbles. Should be an Easy assignment for an RT coming off ankle injury.

5) You might expose Chester and our RT occasionally, however I'm very sure Shanahan will be prepared for that.

I get what you're saying (completely)Was still a good read. Have to remember we're on another teams board and it's their main board not smack or rival board.