Stopping Newton key if Falcons want 8th win...

The Atlanta Falcons (7-5) travel just up the road this upcoming Sunday to face the surging Carolina Panthers (4-8). These two NFC South divisional rivals have never liked each other, in a rivalry that has been labeled the battle of Interstate 85. Just two hours separate these two teams from each other. The dirty birds defeated the cats in round one this past October 16 in the Ga Dome 31-17. This game in Charlotte figures to be closer and more of a fight to earn the victory.

With all that said, the NFL and their fans are getting a glimpse at to what the future holds in Charlotte. At this point in the season, Carolina QB Cam Newton has more passing yards than Atlanta QB Matt Ryan, Cam 3297 yards and Matt 3154. Ryan has more TD passes at 19 to Newton's 13. Even with Ryan having a down year where the statistics are not there, he still has thrown for more than 3,000 yards, and is on pace for 25 endzone catches by his receivers.

CAR QB Cam Newton scoring TD run versus ATL earlier in week six: Photo/Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

But what scares me is not the Panthers record, yes, they are 4-8, but they have won two in a row and last week Newton had three rushing TD's. As in every game, the Falcons need to bring their A game, their second ranked run stopping defense in the NFL, to the defensive side of the game. The Falcons are probably one step ahead of me in saying this, but put a spy on Newton or he will beat the Falcons with his arm and legs. The black helmets will probably be ready for this game after getting embarrassed last week with all their penalties that ultimately lost the game for them that they should have won.

A key matchup for me will be Carolina WR Steve Smith on backups CB Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks, as starter CB Brent Grimes has already been ruled out due to a knee injury. This seems odd to me that Head Coach Mike Smith is placing these cornerbacks on Carolina's number one receiver and not Dunta Robinson from the other side. But could it be that Robinson has not lived up to his 5-year 50 plus million contract. So what is to lose, Smith still trying to give Franks and Owens a chance.

But the key for winning the game for the Falcons is the defense containing Newton. Don't let him run east and west outside the pocket. Keep him within the pocket and his legs stationary. Even if he throws for 300 plus yards, if we keep him and their running game to a minimum, Falcons win.