The Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers each need a victory today, albeit for different reasons.
Atlanta is trying to make the playoffs. Carolina is focusing on adding to a two-game winning streak and building momentum for next season. Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium (WGHP Ch. 10).
The Falcons (7-5) are chasing a wild-card playoff spot and are tied with the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions for the best record among non-division leaders in the NFC. The New York Giants are right behind at 6-6.
"I know they're under a lot of pressure because they are in the thick of the whole thing with everybody watching them," coach Ron Rivera of the Panthers said of the Falcons. "They are coming in in a must-win situation."
Coach Mike Smith doesn't need to be reminded. If his Falcons win their last four games, they're assured of a playoff spot because they have the tie-breaker advantage against the Lions.
The toughest remaining game appears to be at New Orleans on Dec. 26, but Smith said the Falcons will have their hands full with rookie quarterback Cam Newton and the Panthers (4-8). In the last game between the teams, the Panthers led 17-14 entering the fourth quarter before the Falcons scored 17 unanswered points.
Newton threw three interceptions — two in the fourth quarter — and had no touchdown passes, finishing with a quarterback rating of 44.6. Two of his interceptions were on tipped balls.
"They're a completely different team in my mind than what we prepared for in Week 6," Smith said. "There has been an evolution on the offensive side of the ball and what they're trying to do schematically. And it all revolves around the No. 1 pick at the quarterback position. He's been able to make some phenomenal plays."
Newton ran for three touchdowns and passed for another in last week's 38-19 victory against Tampa Bay. His 13 rushing touchdowns are the most in the league, and he's converted more third downs on running plays than any player in the league. With Newton, the Panthers have a league-best 72 plays of 20 yards or more.
"He's something special," linebacker Curtis Lofton of the Falcons said. "He can do things most quarterbacks can't do. He's a very accurate passer, too. He's a true dual-threat quarterback."
Atlanta safety William Moore said he has watched Newton on tape in recent weeks and has seen a different level of confidence.
"He's definitely more comfortable back there now," Moore said. "The receivers around him are playing great ball right now, and the running backs are carrying their load also.
"They're a complete team. They're going to get it together despite what their record says."
Newton was limited to 237 yards passing in the first game, but the Falcons won't have cornerback Brent Grimes today.
They will, however, have running back Michael Turner, who has averaged 108.5 yards and has scored 11 touchdowns in his past six games against the Panthers.
The Panthers don't have the same pressure as the Falcons, but Rivera has put a high emphasis on a strong finish to the season.
The Panthers have played well of late, especially on offense, where they have scored a combined 100 points in the past three games.
The Panthers are coming off back-to-back wins for the first time since 2009. Granted, they came against two struggling teams — Indianapolis (0-12) and Tampa Bay (4-8) — but Rivera said that doesn't matter.
"We have to get to the point where we can win here, and it doesn't matter who you beat or how or where or when. You just have to win," Rivera said. "And we have done that. Now we have to continue to win and play well and improve. And those things snowball and escalate and give us opportunities to grow. I believe winning is contagious and helps you build your swagger."
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