The Carolina Panthers will make history or offer fans a repeat of the past once the clock strikes zero in Atlanta on Sunday.
A victory over the Falcons will mark the first time they’ve ever won four consecutive games against their division rivals down Interstate 85.
A loss would mark the fifth consecutive 0-2 start for the Panthers.
The Panthers know they cannot start 0-2 again given their schedule. There’s definitely urgency within the building given their actions following the loss to Chicago.
Jimmy Horn was waived after his miscues returning punts.
John Metchie was signed to the main roster and was listed as the team’s primary punt and kick returner, overtaking Xavier Legette.
The Panthers shot themselves in the foot too many times against the Bears to eliminate any realistic chance of winning.
Now, if the defense has a repeat performance against this Falcons’ offense quarterbacked by Cooper Rush, there are going to be some very uncomfortable conversations taking place on South Mint Street.
Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero is under fire. Head Coach Dave Canales has defended him at every step of the way but that performance from week 1 cannot happen under any circumstance against this Falcons team.
Dealing with consequences from losing to a Rush led Falcons squad is not something this team needs.
TIM’S KEYS TO THE GAME
These are my keys to the game!
KEY NUMBER ONE: CONTROL THE TEMPO
Similar to my first key against the Bears, the Panthers should come out firing to force the Falcons out of giving Bijan Robinson 30 carries.
The aggressiveness under the play calling of offensive coordinator Brad Idzik was a welcome site last week. The operation was clean and the Panthers played with pace.
KEY NUMBER TWO: STOP THE DAMN RUN
If the Panthers give up 200 plus rushing yards again, there’s a high probability they’re going to lose. Rush did not push the ball down the field against the Steelers last week. Could that have been a result of the back spasms he experienced the day before the game? Perhaps.
The Panthers need to play better on all three levels and it starts up front with the captain Derrick Brown. Brown cannot have the mental mistakes that occurred against the Bears.
Rush certainly doesn’t have wheels like Caleb Williams, so the Panthers shouldn’t have to worry about him burning them for 60 yards rushing.
But the Panthers should sell out to stop Robinson from running wild.
KEY NUMBER THREE: NO TURNOVERS
Turnovers can be the elixir a struggling team needs to be revived. The Panthers cannot do what they did last week against the Falcons. Protect the ball.
THE FOOD SECTION: WHAT ARE WE EATING?
Sunday’s game spread will feature garlic shrimp and zucchini with some bread on the side.
THE PANTHERS PARKER PARLAY
Each week, I’ll place a $5 wager on a Panthers themed parlay and track the results throughout the season.
The necessary disclaimer: this isn’t gambling advice and I’m not an expert. This is purely for entertainment purposes and some fun. If you’re going to gamble, do your research and do not play outside your means. Most importantly, if you lose your bet, take it like man and don’t be that person that tags athletes on social media for a decision YOU made!
Our week one Jalen Coker themed parlay was a hit!
What’s the move for week two?
I see a bounce back game for Tetairoa McMillan on Sunday. With that said, I’m rolling with the following:
Over 58.5 receiving yards (-113)
Over 4.5 receptions (-119)
Anytime touchdown (+175)
I used a 30 percent parlay boost on DraftKings to take those odds from +365 to +475. My $5 bet would net $23.75 if it hits. Here is the bet slip:
2026 results: 1-0, up $20
THE PULSE PREDICTION
There have been a lot of painful losses for the Panthers in Atlanta over the years. If they somehow lose this one, it could rank as one of the worst given who the Falcons are trotting out at quarterback.
I do believe the Panthers will bounce back and get into the win column.
Panthers 31 Falcons 17
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