Here's how the Carolina Panthers could find success against the Atlanta Falcons in week three.

After starting out the 2025 NFL season with two-consecutive losses, the Carolina Panthers are now set to take on fellow NFC South member, the Atlanta Falcons, in week three.

Sunday's contest will be the franchise first home game of the year, but will also be the Panthers' biggest test so far this season. Led by head coach Raheem Morris, the Falcons are coming off a hard-fought victory over the Minnesota Vikings, 22-6. And with how well Morris' defense has looked this season, Carolina will have their hands full this weekend.

However, there is one way that head coach Dave Canales and his struggling team can walk away with their first win of the 2025 season.

Offensive Gameplan

Through the first two games this year, the Falcons have managed to completely revamp the defense. Atlanta ranks second in yards allowed per game (229.0), points allowed per game (14.5) and passing yards allowed per game (139.9) across the entire NFL.

This becomes a huge issue for the Panthers heading into the contest, as the team continues to find it's identity on offense this year. Quarterback Bryce Young had a terrific performance in week two, throwing for 328 yards and three touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals. But outside of a strong passing performance last week, the Panthers have been unable to string together multiple consistent games.

With how well the Falcons' defense has been in all aspects of defending the passing game, Carolina will be forced to get out to a fast start on Sunday. In order for this to happen, Canales must present a solid blend of a rushing and passing attack, which would keep Atlanta on their toes early in the matchup.

Defensive Gameplan

Unfortunately for the Panthers, the level of success from the offense will likely dictated how the defense approaches the Falcons.

If the offense can get out to a hot start, this would pave the way to Atlanta focusing their offensive attack onto quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons are one of the best teams in the NFL at running the ball, as they averaged 143.5 rushing yards per game this season. But if the Panther can establish an early lead, the Falcons would have to rely on Penix to win through the air.

The Panthers defense has allowed an average of 141.0 yards per game this season, which gives the Falcons' running back duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier a perfect matchup. But if Carolina can maintain an early lead, this becomes the best-case scenario for the organization as limits the amount of touches Robinson and Allgeier receive on the ground.