After three straight AFC West opponents, the Falcons open their conference schedule on Sunday with NFC South rival the Carolina Panthers.
When the Falcons take the field against the Panthers they'll be looking to improve to 4-0, but also to make it five straight wins over the Panthers. The last time Atlanta lost to Carolina was in 2009 and under head coach Mike Smith the franchise is 6-2 against the Panthers.
Against a Carolina defense that has struggled this season, the Falcons could continue to put up impressive numbers on offense. Exploiting a defense that has allowed 26.3 points per game this season (tied for 23rd in the league) and 383 yards per game (24th in the league) will be a priority.
A number of Falcons have a history of strong performances against the southern rival. Matt Ryan is unbeaten at home against the Panthers and has a 107.7 QB rating. If he eclipses 100 with his QB rating, as he's done in the first three games this season, he'll extend the Falcons' record to 27-0 when he hits the century mark.
Michael Turner rushed for a season high 80 yards last week and could go for even more against the Panthers' 27th-ranked run D. In the last seven games against Carolina, Turner has averaged 103 rushing yards with 11 touchdowns.
In Julio Jones' last meeting against Carolina, he had three catches for 104 yards and a touchdown, a 75-yarder. Roddy White has been dominant at home and the Panthers will have to work to stop him. In his last five Georgia Dome performances, he's averaged 114 yards receiving with four touchdowns.
Tight end Tony Gonzalez will look to extend his touchdown streak to four games in a row this season. He's had one in each of Atlanta's first three wins. Gonzalez is also pursuing another milestone in his historic career. With two more touchdown catches, he'll achieve 100 in his career.
One of Atlanta's best second-half performances on defense last season came against the Panthers and their rookie QB Cam Newton. So far this season Newton and that offense haven't been as prolific as it was last season, but could break out at any moment.
Defensive end John Abraham has eight sacks against Carolina in his career. William Moore has two interceptions already this season and will look to make it two straight against the Panthers with a pick.
Sean Weatherspoon has one sack this season and he aims for his second straight game against Newton and the Panthers with a sack.
