After waiting until November to play their first divisional game last season, the Falcons get to jump right into the fray this season. An early season matchup against Carolina presents another formidable challenge for them. The timing isn’t necessarily ideal for either team, as several key players will be sidelined. It primarily involves Carolina’s new-look offense under Norv Turner against Dan Quinn’s rising defense. There were high expectations for both units going into this year. Alterations will now be required after one week of action.
The pressure for change offensively intensified following last Thursday’s defeat. Another underwhelming, mystifying performance reinserts Steve Sarkisian’s place on the hot seat.