CHARLOTTE — The Panthers have lost four straight games, but the way they lost the last game will stick in their mind.
That's why Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said he wanted to see how his team reacted this week, after the way things unraveled in a 25-3 loss to the Giants.
They're catching a Falcons team that is heading the other direction, but they're also catching them in the wrong place.
You'll have to pardon the horrible holiday-themed pun, but whether it's the Georgia Dome or Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Panthers are 7-19 all-time in the House of Horrors in Atlanta. The Falcons lead the overall series 33-19.
But the Panthers are still solid on defense, and are hoping to get some key parts back on the field (linebacker Shaq Thompson) or on the field for the first time this season (cornerback Stephon Gilmore). They could help add a spark to a team that needs one on both sides of the ball.
DEFENSE NEEDS TO BRING IT
With the uncertainty on offense at the moment, the Panthers' defense knows it needs to keep the level high.
Whether it's fair or unfair, they probably should, since that's where most of the team's expenditures in terms of cash and draft capital have been.
They spent the entire 2020 NFL Draft on defense (along with their 2021 first-rounder), along with free-agent cash for parts including Haason Reddick, DaQuan Jones, Morgan Fox and A.J. Bouye, along with trading for Gilmore and CJ Henderson.
The Panthers were first in the league in total defense after Week 3, and while they've slipped to third, it's still a good group. And this week, they've emphasized that it's going to take every one of them.
"Just fixing the little things, man," Reddick said when asked how they could get back to their previous level. "Little things here and there. One person here, one person on the next play. We've just got to get back to all 11 guys doing their job on each and every play, instead of a guy here and a guy there trying to make a play. Just everybody doing their job.
"It's just all 11 players doing their job. It sounds simple because it is that simple. We've just got to get it done."
SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE ON THIRD DOWN
The Panthers offense has struggled mightily on third downs this season, as they're converting just 31.6 percent of them on the season, which ranks 28th in the league.
That has a trickle-down effect on the entire team, as it keeps them from running the ball in the volume they'd prefer, and it wears out the defense by limiting the time they get to rest.
On the other hand, the Falcons have had their problems getting teams off the field.
Their defense is allowing 47.8 percent conversions, which is 29th in the league.
PROTECTION ISSUES
Part of that problem on third downs stems from the issues they've had protecting quarterback Sam Darnold.
He's been sacked 15 times in the last four weeks, and 24 times on the year. Only the Bears (26) have allowed more sacks.
Darnold made a point this week to say he wasn't blaming his line for the problems (since part of it is on him for hanging onto the ball too long at times), and they've likewise circled the wagons around a line that keeps changing.
"I don't think it's anything having to do with him worried about what's happening up front," offensive coordinator Joe Brady said of Darnold's issues with being in a hurry.
With right guard John Miller going on IR this week, they're about to start their sixth different combination of linemen in eight weeks.
The Falcons at least aren't the most ferocious pass-rushing team in the league, as they're 30th in the league with 10 sacks.
Atlanta still has defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, and with the Panthers starting a patchwork middle of the line Sunday (they'll start either Trent Scott or Dennis Daley or Brady Christensen at right guard), they could still be vulnerable up the middle.
OH, THAT GUY AGAIN
Speaking of problematic matchups, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has generally enjoyed games against the Panthers.
He's 10-3 all-time against the Panthers in Atlanta, with a 101.0 passer rating in home games.
Last week, he led his 40th game-winning drive of his career, which tied him with John Elway for seventh on the all-time list. Part of that stems from being old (35), but also that he's pretty good at this.
"He looks like he's 25 again," Panthers defensive coordinator Phil Snow said last week.
ROCK HILL BRAGGING RIGHTS
With Stephon Gilmore activated today, he'll get to see one of his fellow hometown products in the NFL.
Gilmore went to Rock Hill's South Pointe High, and is one of two first-round picks the school has produced (along with former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney).
But that's still well behind their cross-town rivals.
Atlanta's Cordarrelle Patterson, the Vikings' 29th overall pick in 2013, is one of five first-rounders from Northwestern High.
That list began with safety Rick Sanford (New England, 1979), along with Jeff Burris (Buffalo, 1994), Ben Watson (New England, 2004), and Johnathon Joseph (Cincinnati, 2006).
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Carolina is 21-35 all-time against Atlanta dating all the way back to 1995.
Carolina Panthers free safety Tre Boston (33) runs back a intercepted ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Atlanta. Boston scored on the play. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons on December 31, 2017 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons on December 31, 2017 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2012, file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) dives into the end zone for a touchdown as Atlanta Falcons' Chris Owens (21) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers second-year quarterback had his best game of the season, but the highlight occurred as he was crossing the goal line to complete a 72-yard scoring run. He somersaulted into the end zone, and as his legs were in the air, he was nudged slightly by a Falcons defensive back. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt, File)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is stopped by Carolina Panthers linebacker Dan Morgan (55) and defensive back Deveron Harper, left, as he scrambles during the first half in Atlanta, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001. (AP Photo/Alan Mothner)
Carolina Panthers strong safety Kurt Coleman (20) celebrates his interception and touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick (7) is forced out of bounds by Carolina Panthers' Mark Fields (58) and Dan Morgan, rear, during the third quarter Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
FILE Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) runs as Atlanta Falcons' DeAngelo Hall (21) closes in during their NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., in a Sunday Dec. 4, 2005 photo. Tedy Bruschi didn't get a chance to tackle Steve Smith when the Patriots played the Panthers in September. By midseason, he'd made a remarkable comeback from a stroke and was starting for New England. His return was as impressive as Smith's achievement of returning from a knee injury that cost the Carolina receiver nearly all of the 2004 season. On Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006, they shared The Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year award. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, file)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick (7) is sacked by Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) during the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 24-6 win in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Dec. 4, 2005.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' DeShaun Foster (26) celebrates after a touchdown past Atlanta Falcons' DeAngelo Hall (21) during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Dec. 4, 2005.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Les Miller (69) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tony Graziani (13) in the second quarter of their NFL game at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Oct. 26, 1997. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panther Cam Newton (1) signals for a first down against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panther Christian McCaffrey (22) scores against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panther Cam Newton (1) dives for the end zone against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers Mike Adams (29) intercepts a pass against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panther Devin Funchess (17) looks for running room against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panther Luke Kuechly (59) against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play the final regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Atlanta, GA.
Carolina Panthers play the final regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Atlanta, GA.
Carolina Panthers play the final regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Atlanta, GA.
Carolina Panthers play the final regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Atlanta, GA.
Carolina Panthers strong safety Juston Burris (31), free safety Tre Boston (33), and Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Jeremy Chinn (21) celebrate an interception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Atlanta. The Carolina Panthers won 23-16. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) scrambles past Atlanta Falcons' Sean Weatherspoon (56), Kroy Biermann (71) and Chris Hope (24) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. The Panthers won 30-20. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 3, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 3, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 3, 2013.
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) signals a first down after a run as Atlanta Falcons' Sean Weatherspoon (56) and Chris Hope (24) move downfield during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. The Panthers won 30-20. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton greets fans after the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. The Carolina Panthers won 21-20. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
