Here are three quick-hit observations from the Falcons’ huge 31-10 win over the Panthers on Sunday.
1. The Falcons desperately need a week off.
For much of the season, the Falcons have been a team that has largely done the small things right. They don’t turn the ball over, they don’t get penalized and they don’t beat themselves. But in the past two weeks, they’ve had trouble getting out of their own way. They blew several opportunities to beat the Saints on Monday night and even in their 31-10 win over the Panthers on Sunday, they missed opportunities that would have cost them against a better opponent. The offense failed to convert on two fourth down plays in Carolina territory and Michael Turner once again fumbled inside the 10-yard line. That’s twice in the past two weeks he’s put the ball on the ground when the Falcons were closing in on points. Does this mean Atlanta is primed for a fall in the playoffs? No, but the week off should do this team a world of good. It will allow the players and coaching staff to relax, re-focus and re-energize. The regular season is a grind and the Falcons did it: they earned the top seed in the NFC. But now isn’t the time for any team to lose its edge.
2. Weems is emerging as a weapon.
Eric Weems isn’t a household name but he will be soon if he continues to be a playmaker. A couple of weeks ago he returned a 102 yard kickoff return against the Bucs for a touchdown to spark a fourth quarter comeback. On Sunday, he took a 55-yard punt to the house to give the Falcons a 14-0 lead after Turner had fumbled inside the 10-yard line. Thanks to Turner, Matt Ryan, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, this team has a ton of playmakers on offense. But having that added weapon in the return game is huge, just as Devin Hester and DeSean Jackson have proved with the Bears and Eagles, respectively. Weems isn’t quite on Hester or Jackson’s level, but he’s been great for Atlanta this season.
3. The Panthers have a long row to hoe.
What a disaster this Carolina team is. John Fox smiled more on Sunday than he has all season and why shouldn’t he be happy? The Panthers are a mess and a massive project for the next head coach. They need to draft a quarterback but if Andrew Luck doesn’t come out, then there’s not a prospect worth taking at the No. 1 spot. So what does Carolina do? Take the best player available and hope that Jimmy Clausen develops by leaps and bounds over the summer? The Panthers also don’t have a pick in the second round next April, which is rather unfortunate considering how devoid of talent the roster is. I know the Rams turned things around quickly, but they also have an up and coming quarterback and a competent head coach. Carolina has neither of those.
