Carolina Panthers-Atlanta Falcons: A Big Game for Jonathan Stewart? | Bleacher Report
Carolina's Jonathan Stewart, the 5'10" rookie from Oregon, is off to a nice start this year, a trend I expect will continue this week against the Atlanta Falcons. Hailing from Olympia, Washington, he has racked up three touchdowns so far this season. Because Stewart is bigger than teammate Deangelo Williams, hes been getting most of Carolinas touches in the red zone.
This week Carolina hosts the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons come into the game 2-1 on the season, having beaten the snot out of the Kansas City Chiefs last week. The Falcons' other win came against the Detroit Lions, another stellar football club. In both these games, Atlanta was able to run the ball easily, and rookie QB Matt Ryan was never really tested.
In week two, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to stop the Falcons' run, and the young Mr. Ryan responded by completing 13/33 passes for 158 yards and two interceptions. Believe it or not, the Falcons looked very ordinary losing 24-9.
Atlanta's defense has also looked soft against the run. They are allowing 5.1 yards per carry and 139.3 yards per game, having allowed two runs of over 40 yards in three short weeks. Not the best.
Carolina has run the ball successfully on every opponent but the Minnesota Vikings. Let's face it: Nobody runs on Minnesota.
If the Panthers' defense is able to stifle Atlanta's Michael Turner, Matt Ryan is going to make mistakes. Those mistakes should lead to more red zone touches for Jonathan Stewart, as well as fantasy points for the Carolina defense. I wouldn't be shocked if Stewart had a 40-yard-plus touchdown run or if the Panthers scored a defensive touchdown.
The Falcons have only played well at home against terrible teams. This week they are on the road against a team who can play. Rookie quarterbacks don't usually come into the NFL, go on the road, and light it up. Look for the Panthers' defense to teach Matt Ryan a few lessons and for Jonathan Stewart to capitalize on those opportunities. I'd start them both this week.
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