This is my review of the Atlanta Falcons defeating the Carolina Panthers by the score of 31 to 23. The first half looked good for the Carolina Panthers as they went to halftime with a 23 to 7 lead. But Matt Ryan rallied the Falcons to come back and defeat the Carolina Panthers for the second time this season after starting the 4^th quarter behind on the scoreboard.

The Falcons comeback win over the Panthers is a classic sign of youth by Carolina. The team is just not experienced enough to finish he deal. Of course the injury depleted defense of the Carolina Panthers trying to stop the Falcons who are on a playoff hunt was a bad situation as well.

Cam Newton completed 19 of 39 passes against the Atlanta Falcons for 276 yards, two touchdowns and two costly interceptions. Cam Newton added 36 yards rushing on seven carries against Atlanta. Cam Newton and the Panthers played well in the first half then lost their edge in the second half against the Falcons.

The Panthers did manage a couple of big plays against the Atlanta Falcons. DeAngelo Williams had a 74 yard touchdown run but ended up with just 87 yards on seven carries. Greg Olsen had a 44 yard touchdown pass from Cam Newton against the Falcons. Steve Smith had a 48 yard reception among his six catches for 125 yards.

The Carolina Panthers run defense was much improved holding Michael Turner to 76 yards on 21 carries. Linebacker James Anderson had a huge game with 10 tackles, seven assists and half a sack against the Atlanta Falcons. If you want to write a note telling James Anderson congratulations on his big game, click this link. That will take you to our sister site Schoolofthelegends.com and James’ page.

The big story in the comeback win by the Falcons over the Panthers was Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan. Against the Panthers Ryan completed 22 of 38 passes for 320 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. Rookie Julio Jones caught three passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers.

Cam Newton just needs a little more time on the field and a healthy defense before the Panthers can compete with a good team trying to make the playoffs. Check back here soon to see my preview of the Carolina Panthers visiting the Houston Texans next week.

This is a preview of the Atlanta Falcons at the Carolina Panthers game to be played on Sunday December 11^th 2011. The Panthers will have a rematch against a Falcons team that slapped them around in a 31 to 17 loss earlier in the season. To read my review of the first Panthers and Falcons game click here.

Cam Newton is playing well although against Tampa and Indianapolis which are not exactly defensive powerhouses. The Falcons defense isn’t elite either at least not against the pass where they rank 21^st in the NFL. The Falcons run defense is good as they are ranked 3^rd but that is in part because teams throw so much on Atlanta.

For the Carolina Panthers to beat the Atlanta Falcons they have to hold Michael Turner in check. Turner burned the Panthers for 139 yards in the first game and was the big reason for the Falcons victory. The Falcons rank only 16^th in rushing but the Panthers defense ranks 27^th in the league currently.

The Panthers offense must not abandon the run against Atlanta. Their balanced offense is playing well and Williams and Stewart need their carries. Cam Newton also needs to get his tight ends involved in the offense more even though Shockey is banged up a little. LaFell and Naanee have stepped up because Steve Smith and the tight ends are being covered so well, but that needs to change.

The fact that Cam Newton is so mobile will give Steve Smith a chance to get open despite the expected double coverage on him by Atlanta. Cam Newton can buy some time and Smith will exploit that against the Falcons and could have a big day.

Atlanta will be fired up coming into Carolina as they fight to remain in the NFL wildcard picture. However the Carolina Panthers would like nothing better than to play spoiler to the Falcons. The NFC South has a history of home teams winning most of the games and I think Carolina can upset the Falcons on Sunday.

For the Panthers to upset the Falcons they need to keep the turnovers and penalties down thus winning the field position and time of possession battle. Keeping Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and company off the field is a key to a Panthers victory over the Falcons.

Look for James Anderson to step up as he gets a little healthier and Dan Conner has to be active in stopping Michael Turner. I don’t fear Matt Ryan as much as Turner but the Falcons do have great weapons in the passing game.

My prediction for the Atlanta Falcons at the Carolina Panthers game is that Carolina will win 28 to 24. The Panthers have some momentum building and could play the spoiler role often for the rest of the 2011 NFL season.