Intriguing players to watch in Falcons vs. Panthers

"It's been a quieter-than-expected start for Drake London, who many expected could vie for the Triple Crown as the league-leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He's coming off a disappointing performance against the Minnesota Vikings, marred by a fumble early in the game. However, not to be overshadowed was a strong finish where London had two clutch catches on the team's penultimate drive that ultimately ended in a touchdown and sealed their win."

"The Falcons should look only to last year's road win over the Panthers to see how effective London can be in the slot. In that game, five of London's six catches came when he was in the slot for a career-high 61 percent of his snaps. Getting London matched up against nickel cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, who is a first-year starter, would be a great way to baptize the latter and jumpstart the former's production."

"Falcons right guard Chris Lindstrom is probably tasked with the toughest individual assignment on Sunday: keeping Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown in check. Brown spends the majority (about 80 percent) of his snaps lined up on the left side of the defensive line, pitting him against the right side of the Falcons' offensive line, where Lindstrom lines up. With Brown missing nearly all of 2024, it's been a while since these two have seen each"

Drake London has started the season slowly despite high expectations, including a game marred by an early fumble but salvaged by two late clutch catches that sealed a win. Many of London's most effective targets came from the slot last season, and increased deployment from the slot or over the middle could jumpstart his production. Matching London against Panthers nickel Chau Smith-Wade could exploit a first-year starter. Falcons right guard Chris Lindstrom likely faces Derrick Brown, who aligns mostly on the left defensive front, creating a critical one-on-one matchup.

Read at The Falcoholic