Falcons Go for Number 12

The Atlanta Falcons are in Carolina today to take on Cam Newton and the Panthers, the game will be at 1 p.m. The Falcons are hoping they can contain Newton and the Panthers and go 12-1 on the year.
The Panthers lost last week to the lowly Kansas City Chiefs and fell to 3-9 on the year. Newton has been on top of his game lately though, as he has six passing touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns and no interceptions in the past three games. The defense has let the Panthers down as of late, giving up an average of 30 points a game in their last three losses. Those three losses have come in their last four games, but they are on a mission today playing their division rivals. The Panthers almost won their previous meeting this season, but the Falcons drove 77 yards in the final minute to win 30-28. The loss still bothers defensive lineman Greg Hardy as he said on Wednesday that the Panthers owe the Falcons something and it is coming. He also was quoted as saying the Panthers are the better team.
The Falcons are coming off of a huge win against the New Orleans Saints last Thursday. The 23-13 win also helped them to clinch the NFC South division title. The defense dominated the game for the Falcons, intercepting Saints' quarterback Drew Brees a record five times. The Falcons can possibly clinch a first round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win today, but that is more likely to come next week. Here are two things the Falcons need to do today to guarantee another victory.
First, the defense needs to keep up the intensity. Newton hasn't thrown an interception in awhile, it would be nice if the Falcons could end that trend today. Also, John Abraham, who has a team-high ten sacks, needs to lead the defensive line and try to sack Newton a few times. The defense could potentially be without leading tackler William Moore and corner back Asante Samuel, if that's the case, Chris Hope and Christopher Owens will be counted on heavily to come in and fill their shoes, which will be a tough responsibility.
Second, the Falcons need to continue their success against the Panthers. In their last five meetings, the Falcons have scored at least 30 points and have won all five match ups. Matt Ryan has thrown eleven touchdown passes and only two interceptions in those five games and running back Michael Turner has rushed for and average of 99 yards with seven total touchdowns.
If Ryan, Turner and the rest of the offense can produce similar numbers and the defense can be just as stalwart as they were against the Saints, the Falcons will move to 12-1 on the year. With the way the Panthers have played as of late, the Falcons can already cross this game off their list.