The Atlanta Falcons have some basic ways they can attack the Carolina Panthers and have a great chance to win.
The Atlanta Falcons are a day away from their second game of the season, and after what was nothing short of an offensive meltdown in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, fans are hopeful to see a better performance at home.
Reality here is that in a divisional game, it's always going to be a tight margin even if the offense is dealing with difficult circumstances. Atlanta can absolutely get a win here against a Carolina Panthers team who they have been very close with over the years and largely trading victories, and the Falcons get the benefit of the first home game of the Kevin Stefanski era.
No matter what the situation is at quarterback, Atlanta has ways they can win this game, and here are three things which would help a whole lot and go a very long way.
Run the Dang Ball
No matter who is under center, the Falcons have the benefit of having who is probably the best running back in all of football, and he can also provide a security blanket with short and underneath routes. Robinson had a solid game against Pittsburgh, but he's going to have to do more to push this team over the edge and get the victory.
It's easier said than done if the situation in the passing game is poor, but Atlanta must establish the run early in this one to have a real chance.
Force Bryce Young Into Turnovers
While it was masked a little bit by the fact that his defense allowed nearly 60 points to the Chicago Bears, Bryce Young was actually extremely effective for the Panthers in their Week 1 defeat and looked a whole lot closer to the kind of QB Carolina hoped it was getting when taking him No. 1 overall.
The Falcons need to cause Young to revert to some of his struggles over the first three years in the league and on the road in a tough environment create some takeaways. A defensive touchdown would be even better.
Improve on Special Teams
Nick Folk has been the most accurate kicker in the NFL over the last couple of years, but he missed two field goals in Week 1 and cost Atlanta points in critical spots. In a game where the margin is going to be so close, Folk simply has to improve and convert on every chance to get points for this team.
If he can't, it could be another close defeat for the Falcons.
