Quick Take: Falcons-Panthers

In Brief

» Last meeting: In Week 2, the Falcons knocked down a desperation pass from Jake Delhomme as time expired and hung on for a 28-20 victory over the Panthers.
» Streaks: Atlanta has won three of the past four meetings, and leads the overall series, 18-11.
» Last week: Michael Turner rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns to carry the Falcons past the Redskins, 31-17. ... The Panthers squandered a 14-point lead and fell to the Saints, 30-20.

Keep your eye on ...Turner's sudden hot streak: The league's second-leading rusher last season started out this year slowly. He was held under 100 yards in five of his first six games, but over the last two weeks he has caught fire with 323 rushing yards and three touchdowns. If he keeps that pace up against Carolina's 23rd-ranked run defense, it would give Atlanta a huge boost.

Curtis Lofton's tackling prowess: Atlanta's second-year linebacker leads the NFL with 84 tackles, but his skills will be put to the test against Carolina. The Panthers rely heavily on a power running game and Lofton has to be at his best for the Falcons to slow down DeAngelo Williams and Co.

A Gamble paying off:Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble made his first interception of the season last week and his ability to come up with another against Matt Ryan and the Falcons would help Carolina's cause tremendously. Ryan has shown a recent proclivity for throwing picks (he has at least one in each of his last five games), so Gamble may get his chance. At 3-5, the Panthers desperately need a win to stay in the periphery of the playoff race.

Did you know?

When Ryan has a 100-plus passer rating, the Falcons are 8-0. ... Turner rushed for over 100 yards in both games against the Panthers last year. ... Delhomme has thrown for at least 294 yards in three straight games against the Falcons. ... In his past six games vs. divisional opponents, Williams has rushed for eight touchdowns.