Panthers-Falcons: Carolina Tries for 9-2, Franchise-Best Start

The Carolina Panthers will travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons at the Georgia Dome Sunday looking to earn the best start in franchise history with a 9-2 record. The Panthers won the first meeting on Sept.28 in Charlotte, 24-9.  The Panthers' defense was the story of that day, as it held Falcons QB Matt Ryan to 27-of-41 completions for 158 yards and no touchdowns. It allowed contained Michael Turner, who was then the NFL's leading rusher, 56 yards and no touchdowns on 18 carries. Panthers QB Jake Delhomme had his best game of the season, going 20-of-29 for 294 yards and two scores.  Tailbacks Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams combined for 109 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries. The Panthers were still working through their penalty issues, but the defense almost always picked up the slack from those penalties. Carolina also had home field advantage. This time the Falcons have home field advantage, ... (link)