Falcons' playoff hopes rely on stopping Newton

Published: Dec 07, 2011 at 07:52 AM

Why to watch
Cam Newton is getting in the end zone, either through the air or on the ground, unlike any rookie quarterback ever. The Panthers are never shy to get vertical, and the Falcons come in with a bruised psyche with Matt Ryan sputtering after falling to the Texans last week.

Inside story
Carolina has been soft against the run -- no reason for the Falcons to get unbalanced and pass-happy here. Michael Turner needs more than 14 carries; Ryan has no business chucking it 50 times. Linebacker Curtis Lofton is playing like a beast for the Falcons. Wonder if he shadows Newton some?

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