The 2-5 Falcons will face the 4-3 Panthers on Sunday in North Carolina at Bank of America Stadium in Week 9. Here are some facts and tidbits about the matchup:
- Sunday marks the 37th meeting between the two teams, who have played one another twice every year since the Panthers inception in 1995.
- Atlanta holds a 23-13 advantage in the all-time series; winning seven of the last 10 meetings under head coach Mike Smith.
- WR Harry Douglas will be looking to have three straight 100-yard games for the first time in his NFL career.
- In 10 career games against the Panthers, QB Matt Ryan has completed 218 of 351 passes (62.1 percent) for 2,518 yards with 17 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 92.8 passer rating. He has led the Falcons to a 7-3 record against Carolina and has thrown multiple touchdowns in each of the last three meetings.
- The Panthers are allowing 222.1 yards per game through the air this season, while allowing just six passing touchdowns.
- Head coach Mike Smith has a 23-20 regular season record on the road.
- QB Matt Ryan has the single game high for passing yards against the Panthers with 369 yards, which he achieved on 9/30/12.
- Head coach Mike Smith and defensive line coach Ray Hamilton were on the same Jacksonville staff as Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula in 2007. Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter also coached with Shula from 2007-2010.
- CB Robert McClain was selected by the Panthers in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
- RB Josh Vaughan spent two seasons in Carolina, appearing in 10 games for the Panthers.
- Panthers QB Cam Newton and LS Josh Harris were members of Auburn's 2011 BCS National Championship team, defeating WR Drew Davis' Oregon Ducks.
- Since 2008, the Falcons have only lost back-to-back games five times, which included a stretch of 14 straight wins following a loss between 2009 and 2013.
- QB Matt Ryan has won 5 of past 6 against Carolina; completing 137 of 215 for 1,657 yards with 13 touchdowns vs. 3 interceptions for 101.6 rating.
- In the last meeting with the Panthers, CB Asante Samuel had an interception.
- If WR Roddy White plays against the Panthers on Sunday, he will be aiming for his fourth game in a row with a TD catch against Carolina.
