Black and Blue Review
GameWeek TIMELINE
21DEC
Panthers/Falcons Week 17 Scheduling Possibilities
The Panthers' winner-take-all matchup with the Falcons wasn't moved to primetime, but it could still be flexed into a later timeslot. Read more
22DEC
Panthers' Playoff Picture
The Panthers will make the playoffs with a win or tie, and if either happen, they'll host the Cardinals or Seahawks. Read more
22DEC
First Falcons Game May Have Helped Panthers
When the Panthers lost to the Falcons in Week 11, it was easy to question Ron Rivera's end-of-the-game decisions. Read more
22DEC
The Cam Newton Comeback Few Seem to Care About
If Cam Newton plays a near-flawless game in a must-win situation with two broken bones in his back, it doesn't attract much attention. Read more
22DEC
Panthers and Falcons to Kick Off at 4:25
The Panthers and Falcons will play for the NFC South title at 4:25 Sunday afternoon on CBS. Read more
23DEC
Olsen, Kuechly Named to Pro Bowl
Greg Olsen has finally gotten his due. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career Tuesday night. Read more
23DEC
Playoff Push Goes Beyond This Season
Sunday's winner-take-all game against the Falcons is a step toward what the Panthers are trying to build. Read more
23DEC
Will Georgia Dome Again Turn Into Bank of America Stadium South?
With the Panthers nearing the end of their 20th year, Jerry Richardson is still waiting to check off the two biggest items on his NFL owner bucket list. Read more
24DEC
Panthers Share Christmas Memories
A handful of players answer the question: "What was the best Christmas present you got when you were a kid?" Read more
24DEC
Newton Spreads Holiday Cheer, Downplays Return Home
For Cam Newton, playing in his hometown of Atlanta has a special meaning. At least, that's something he's admitted previously. Read more
25DEC
Scenes From Panthers' Christmases
A look, via social media, at how some Panthers celebrated the holiday. Read more
25DEC
Quotes to Note: Mike Smith and Roddy White
"Every time we play Carolina it feels like it is just chippy." - Falcons receiver Roddy White Read more
26DEC
Healthy Panthers Ready for NFC South Title Game
The Panthers are in remarkably good health heading into Sunday's Week 17 winner-take-all matchup. Read more
26DEC
Two Success Stories From Week 11
While the Panthers fell to the Falcons earlier this year, they did do a few things well in that first meeting.
Read more
27DEC
Panthers/Falcons: Then and Now
The Panthers and Falcons have each gotten better since they first faced off this year, but Carolina's improvement has been steeper. Read more
27DEC
Cleaning Out the Week 17 Quotebook
"The opportunity’s there for both of us, with the pressure being on them because it home field. There’s a lot of expectations for them.” - Ron Rivera Read moreINJURY REPORTS
FRIDAY
PANTHERS
Probable: RB DeAngelo Williams (hand)
Questionable: LB A.J. Klein (ankle)
FALCONS
Questionable: G Jon Asamoah (back), RB Steven Jackson (quadricep), WR Julio Jones (hip), CB Josh Wilson (hamstring), CB Robert McClain (illness)
Probable: K Matt Bryant (illness), WR Roddy White (ankle), WR Harry Douglas (foot)
WHAT ATLANTA IS SAYING
FRIDAY
- Prediction: Falcons will beat Panthers — ESPN.com
- Julio Jones (oblique) back on practice field — ESPN.com
- Top stats to know: Panthers at Falcons — ESPN.com
- Roddy White not trying to get another fine against Panthers — ESPN.com
THURSDAY
- Steven Jackson likely out — ESPN.com
- Falcons, Panthers hope to avoid another brawl — AJC.com
- Falcons hope for repeat pass-rush performance — AJC.com
- Q&A: Carolina coach Ron Rivera — AJC.com
- 7 questions with Luke Kuechly — AJC.com
- Falcons-Panthers history lesson — atlantafalcons.com
WEDNESDAY
- Falcons’ blockers have major challenge — AJC.com
- Falcons injury report: 5 starters miss practice — AJC.com
- With Steven Jackson ailing, Falcons promote Jerome Smith — ESPN.com
- Transcripts: Smith, Ryan Press Interviews — atlantafalcons.com
- 10 reasons to get your playoff tickets now — atlantafalcons.com
- Run defense seeing success — atlantafalcons.com
TUESDAY
- Falcons lose top defender for playoff showdown — AJC.com
- Devonta Freeman vying for more touches — ESPN.com
MONDAY
- Mike Smith addresses his job status with Falcons — AJC.com
- Turnovers are equalizer for Falcons defense — AJC.com
- Marcus Trufant helped defense earn some respect – AJC.com
- Quad injury for Steven Jackson not believed to be serious — ESPN.com
- Julio Jones ‘stud’ in return from injury — ESPN.com
- Inspired defensive effort keeps Falcons’ playoff hopes alive — ESPN.com
- Transcript: Mike Smith press conference — atlantafalcons.com
PANTHERS POLLS
NUMBERS AND NOTES
NFL RANKINGS
| OFFENSE | PANTHERS | FALCONS |
|---|---|---|
| Total yds per game | 349.4 (14th) | 384.2 (7th) |
| Rushing yds per game | 122.8 (8th) | 95.7 (24th) |
| Passing yds per game | 226.6 (19th) | 288.5 (5th) |
| Sacks Allowed | 41 (22nd) | 25 (T6th) |
| Points per game | 20.3 (22nd) | 25.2 (T9th) |
| DEFENSE | PANTHERS | FALCONS |
|---|---|---|
| Total yds per game | 343.3 (10th) | 404.4 (32nd) |
| Rushing yds per game | 115.3 (19th) | 113.3 (18th) |
| Passing yds per game | 228.0 (9th) | 291.1 (32nd) |
| Sacks | 34 (T19th) | 21 (T30th) |
| Points per game | 24.7 (22nd) | 25.5 (25th) |
Panthers (6-8-1) at Falcons (6-9)
TV: CBS, Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET); Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
SERIES HISTORY:
- Falcons lead series, 24-15. The Panthers had won three straight meetings before Atlanta won this year’s first matchup in Week 11. Carolina snapped a five-game losing streak at the Georgia Dome when it clinched the NFC South title in Week 17 last season.
PANTHERS:
- QB Cam Newton has tossed 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in seven career games against the Falcons. He also has four rushing touchdowns.
- WR Kelvin Benjamin has 999 receiving yards this season.
- WR Brenton Bersin needs two catches and 20 yards to tie Jerry Richardson’s career total (15 rec., 171 yds).
- TE Greg Olsen needs 19 more receiving yards to reach 1,000 yards in a season for the first time in his career.
- DE Charles Johnson has nine sacks in his last seven games against the Falcons. He has 7.5 sacks in his last 11 games this season and needs 1.5 more to finish with nine or more sacks for the fifth straight year.
FALCONS:
- QB Matt Ryan has won five of his last six home starts against the Panthers, throwing 11 touchdowns and three interceptions in those games. He needs 286 passing yards Sunday to break his single-season Falcons’ record (2012: 4,719 yards). Ryan has not been sacked since early in the third quarter in Week 14 against the Packers.
- WR Roddy White has scored at least once in his last five games against the Panthers. In those games, he’s totaled 40 receptions for 536 yards and six touchdowns.
- WR Julio Jones has had three straight 100-plus yard games.
- CB Desmond Trufant has an interception or fumble recovery in his last three games against the Panthers.