Atlanta has won its last two games on the road to move to 2-1 on the year after dropping its home opener to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1.
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Benjamin won’t be the only star wide receiver coming off a subpar performance when the Panthers (1-2) face Atlanta (2-1) on Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
Dec 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome.
“That can’t happen. That can’t happen”, Newton said. When they’ve been allowed to play with a lead, this line takes complete advantage and as it showed against 2015 MVP Cam Newton, it’s the leagues best unit. “A lot of things have been magnified, from the protection, to the errant throws, to everybody’s responsibility”. “What trumps that is when we just find ways to win football games”. Defensively, there were some signs of life by way of sacks from Thomas Davis and Lavar Edwards as Carolina allowed only 211 yards. “That’s what it comes down to”. The four helmet-to-helmet hits Newton absorbed in the season-opening loss were a disgrace.
His Birds have bounced back from an ugly home opening loss and have two nice wins over the Raiders, and the Saints last week. “I just wanted to bring awareness to everyone”. I’m just focused on trying to get to 2-2. We try to do our best and, really, I know people are saying that it’s me against the guy or that guy.
“It’s a sour taste”, Short said. Yes, that includes a Super Bowl.
But nickel back Robert McClain, who joined the Panthers the week of the NY game, isn’t sure there was a hangover effect.
Stewart had to claw his way to a 23rd-place finish last weekend at New Hampshire, and said nothing he tried could overcome his discomfort with the current rules package and tire combination.
The Falcons get to host Carolina in this one, and while I think they’ll wind up losing, they have the firepower to make this one interesting. “There’s no question about that”.
The Bills controlled the game in every phase, outplaying the Cardinals from the very beginning and maybe gave their season some life with a much-needed 33-18 win. And while he’s been bothered by calf and ankle injuries, he could get well against Carolina and rookie cornerback James Bradberry.
“It’s frustrating”, Newton said of being 1-2 on the season. “And if I’m speaking for it, that won’t happen again”, Newton said. None of those three defenses play at a level that’s anywhere near as good as Denver and Minnesota.
With the likes of Harrison Smith, who is the top safety in the NFL, Anthony Barr, who is arguably the best outside linebacker in the league and Everson Griffin who is second in the league in sacks.
The tandem of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman has given more balance to the running game.
FAST FACTS: The Panthers have not lost consecutive regular-season contests in 23 games. “They played a good game and were able to hold us off at the end”, Rivera said. Not only did Benjamin not secure a single catch, he also had two costly penalties, one of which negated a RB Fozzy Whittaker 56 yard catch that would have put the Panthers in a goal line situation at the one yard line.
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Benjamin came into the game against Minnesota with 13 catches for 199 yards and three touchdowns.
