Week one is finally here, and as the Atlanta Falcons do their final preparations to take on the Carolina Panthers at home in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, The Morning Shift gave you their matchups to watch earlier today.
1. Chris Lindstrom vs. Derrick Brown
This one really could be labeled Derrick Brown versus the entire Falcons offensive line, but even though his stats against Atlanta last year only show a half sack, and two tackles for loss he was an absolute game wrecker for Carolina last year in their two games against the Falcons.
The Panthers front seven as a whole is stout and what was already a solid Falcons offensive line is supposed to be even better with the addition of rookie left guard Matthew Bergeron, so it will be key for Atlanta’s offensive line to be good not only run blocking but in pass protection as well.
2. Jessie Bates III vs. Bryce Young
The Falcons biggest free agent signing this offseason has a chance to make an instant impact because if he can confuse number one overall pick, Bryce Young, by baiting him into bad throws and using his veteran knowledge to always be one step ahead of the rookie that will obviously bode well for Atlanta. The Falcons defensive line getting pressure on the Panthers quarterback early and often would also help that cause as well.
We’ve heard all the breakdowns, listened to all of the previews, and watched all of the practices, but now it’s time to play the game and see if the Falcons are really going to turn the corner in year three under Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot.