Panthers vs Falcons Week One Preview

Panthers vs Falcons Week One Preview

Time Stamp: September 9, 2023 11:19 AM

After an offseason focused on turning around the franchise, the Panthers new team will have their first test against the Falcons in week one. Sunday’s matchup will be a chance for fans to see the roster they hope will help the team turn a corner. With a new coaching staff, quarterback and loads of other positions filled, there’s plenty of storylines to watch heading into the first week. Not only that, but it all takes place in a critical road game.

Bryce Young’s Debut

The one p.m. kickoff in Atlanta will mark the start of Bryce Young’s first real action since torching Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl on New Years Eve. All eyes will be on Alabama’s Heisman trophy winner after the Panthers traded up to the first overall pick in order to select him. It’s been an offseason of high praise for Young, as the coaching staff has harped on his calm demeanor.

It won’t be a walk in the park however, as the Falcons have put together a strong group of defensive backs who will look to capitalize on the rookie’s inexperience. A.J. Terrell and Jessie Bates III are the main ones to watch out for, as well as Jeff Okudah, who was acquired over the offseason. They’ll be covering a new-look receiver room, who may be depleted heading into the first game of the year. 

Pass-Catchers

Assembling a strong group of wide receivers was a major priority for Carolina this offseason as they look to set their rookie quarterback up for success. It began with the additions of Adam Thielen and DJ Chark in free agency, bringing some veteran options into the offense. Unfortunately, both are banged up as the season begins.

Chark has already been ruled out for the game, despite returning to practice. He’s expected to be back for the week two Monday Night Football game against the Saints. As for Thielen, he’s questionable for Sunday with an ankle injury. Terrace Marshall was also noted as having a back injury this week, but is good to go for the matchup.

These injuries will likely open the door for Jonathan Mingo in his first career game. The Ole Miss wide receiver has built a strong connection with Young over the offseason, and may get to showcase it in week one. Hayden Hurst, who was signed to be the team’s starting tight end, could also see a good target share against his former team this week.

Can the Offensive Line Perform?

After a rough preseason, the consensus top worry among Panthers fans is whether the offensive line will be able to protect Young. They struggled mightily through three preseason games, clearly suffering from the lack of Austin Corbett. They’ve had more time to find a rhythm now, and have hopefully worked on correcting their mistakes.

If they can’t defend the rush, it’ll dramatically affect how much of Young we’ll see in his debut. Even more worrisome is the thought of him continuously taking hits, especially given the concerns regarding his frame. They’ll be looking to stop the likes of Calais Campbell, Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata and more as they attempt to pressure Young in his first career game. Despite all of the aforementioned names being proven veterans, the Panthers biggest task might actually be containing a rookie.

Stopping Bijan Robinson

Seven picks after the Panthers selected Young, the Falcons drafted Texas running back Bijan Robinson. He was widely regarded as the best running back to enter the draft since Saquon Barkley, and was snatched with the eighth overall pick. While the Falcons defense tries to stop one frontrunner for rookie of the year, the Panthers defense will try to contain another.

Robinson is known for his contact-balance, and is a threat to make a play every time he gets his hands on the ball. Carolina allowed 122.6 rushing yards per game last year, which was 18th-best in the NFL. With developing players and new talent on the defensive front, they’ll hope to limit the damage caused by Robinson in week one.

It’s inevitable that he’ll make a big play at some point in his debut, but preventing consistent long runs would be a win for the defense. He’ll also have a role in Atlanta’s passing offense, just as he did for the Longhorns in college. Despite his rookie status, Robinson poses the biggest threat to the Panthers ideal 1-0 start in the division.

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Featured image courtesy of the Carolina Panthers.

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