Even with the ups and downs of the season the Falcons have not had to endure the tumultuous season the Carolina Panthers have had so far this year. Frank Reich was fired after 11 games, and the team is 1-12.
However, even with all the adversity the Panthers have faced so far this year they’re still an NFL team with NFL players, and if the Falcons don’t have a certain player back from injury this Sunday the Falcons could find themselves struggling with the Panthers. Earlier today The Morning Shift told you what player the Falcons must have back from injury this week against the Panthers.
The Panthers ran for 154 yards on 32 rushes in their week one matchup with the Falcons, and that was when Atlanta had Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata side by side. Now, that was also the opening week of the season, and the first game this Falcons defense was under the direction of their new defensive coordinator Ryan Neilsen. Since then this Falcons defense has come together to become the backbone of the team.
However, the point still remains that the Panthers had success in the run game with Grady Jarrett, who is now out for the remainder of the season, and David Onyemata both in the lineup, so it will be vital to have David Onyemata back in the trenches with the rest of Atlanta’s defensive line on Sunday. It will also help if the Falcons get Kentavius Street, Nate Landman, and Jeff Okudah back as well, but Onyemata’s presence will be especially key to the Falcons success on Sunday against Carolina.