Falcons aim for redemption against Panthers in crucial Week 11 showdown
The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for a significant matchup against the Carolina Panthers this Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as they look to turn their season around. With their record sitting at 3-6 after a disappointing stretch of four consecutive losses, the stakes have never been higher.
A Must-Win Mentality
As the Falcons prepare for this divisional clash, the urgency is palpable. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney encapsulated the team’s mindset following their recent defeat to the Indianapolis Colts, stating, “We gotta start winning some games. Rah [Raheem Morris] said it, we’re in a playoff atmosphere now. There’s no losing. We gotta figure something out and then let the chips fall where they fall.”
Indeed, the Falcons are treating every game as if it were a playoff contest. This mentality stems from their prior encounter with the Panthers, where they suffered a humiliating 30-0 loss in Week 3. This Sunday, the Falcons will be looking to flip the script and exact some revenge on their rivals.
Playoff Implications
Looking ahead, the Falcons are aware that their postseason aspirations are hanging by a thread. According to the NFL’s NextGenStats, they currently hold a 9% chance of making the playoffs. A victory against the Panthers could elevate that probability to 13%, while a loss would drop their chances to a mere 3%. The pressure is on, and every play counts.
Key Stats to Consider
As the teams prepare for battle, examining their performance statistics provides crucial insight:
Falcons Offense:
Points Per Game: 18.7 (27th in NFL)
Yards Per Game: 330.8 (16th)
Passing Yards Per Game: 211.4 (16th)
Rushing Yards Per Game: 119.3 (15th)
Expected Points Added per Play: 25th
Falcons Defense:
Points Allowed Per Game: 23.2 (16th)
Yards Allowed Per Game: 308.8 (10th)
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 162.3 (1st)
Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 146.4 (29th)
Expected Points Added Allowed per Play: 19th
Panthers Offense:
Points Per Game: 17.7 (28th)
Yards Per Game: 197.1 (27th)
Passing Yards Per Game: 164.0 (30th)
Rushing Yards Per Game: 133.1 (8th)
Expected Points Added per Play: 26th
Panthers Defense:
Points Allowed Per Game: 22.2 (12th)
Yards Allowed Per Game: 323.7 (16th)
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 211.8 (15th)
Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 111.9 (17th)
Expected Points Added Allowed per Play: 23rd
Game Details
As anticipation builds for this pivotal matchup, here’s what fans need to know:
Date: Sunday, November 16
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
With both teams eager for victory, the Falcons will be looking to harness their home-field advantage and secure a much-needed win against a familiar foe. The tension is high, and the outcome could very well determine the trajectory of their season.
