Fisch und Wirbellosenforum

The Panthers’ offense has had a rough going with injuries. It doesn’t appear a break is coming any time soon. On Tuesday https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Devin-Funchess-Jersey , it was announced that tight end Greg Olsen re-fractured his right foot. The three-time Pro Bowler is Cam Newton’s most trusted target. Prior to his injury last season, Olsen surpassed over 1,000 yards and 75 receptions for three consecutive seasons. Olsen was set to be a staple in Norv Turner’s Air Coryell type offense. But not all bad news has to be “bad”. There is a silver lining. That being there’s now opportunity for the younger guys to step up. There’s no doubt that losing Olsen is a blow to Carolina’s offense. But this isn’t the first time the Panthers’ have had to adjust around losing their starting tight end. Ron Rivera insured himself by drafting Ian Thomas in the fourth round in the 2018 NFL Draft. With Olsen’s absence, Thomas is expected to get the start in Panthers’ matchup against the Falcons on Sunday. Although it’s been limited, what we have seen of Thomas has been positive. In the preseason, he caught three passes for 37 yards and a touchdown. He’s also shown flashes of his ability to block. Thomas has been referred to as a bit of an “unknown”. But Thomas won’t be an unknown for much longer. He has good size sitting at 6’4 and 260 pounds. He’s versatile as a receiver and his ability to block makes him an asset. Aside from Thomas, there’s still a slew of receivers for Turner to work with. One being the highly anticipated rookie D.J. Moore. Without Olsen, it allows Moore the chance to go out there and make plays. The first-round draft pick was not targeted in the Panthers’ 16-8 win over the Cowboys. But Moore’s potential is up there. He’s a good blocking receiver and he has the ability to be a deep threat. Before the injury, there wasn’t a reason to chance Thomas and Moore with the assurance of Olsen. With the restructuring of the offense https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Mario-Addison-Jersey , there’s now ample opportunity to see what the young guys can do. ATLANTA (AP) — One season after the NFC South sent three teams to the playoffs, the division may be just as deep.The Atlanta Falcons know they can’t afford to fall too far behind in the division as they prepare to play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Atlanta made the playoffs at 10-6 in 2017 despite finishing third in the South, behind New Orleans and Carolina.Now, coming off last week’s loss at Philadelphia , the Falcons (0-1) need to beat the Panthers to avoid falling two games behind only two weeks into the season.Falcons coach Dan Quinn said the team that wins the NFC South this season “will have been in some fights.”For Carolina and Atlanta, this is an early opportunity to establish a pecking order in the division.“For us to have a division game … early in the season, I think it’s good for us and good for the division, too,” Quinn said.A road win would be another strong statement for Carolina (1-0) Marquis Haynes Jersey , which won its opener over Dallas .Each team has lost key starters to injuries.Carolina tight end Greg Olsen and as many as three offensive linemen could be held out. Olsen has a broken bone in his foot for the second straight year , but hopes to return this season and has not been placed on injured reserve.Panthers right tackle Daryl Williams (knee) was placed on IR Wednesday, joining left tackle Matt Kalil (knee), who was put on IR before Week 1. Also, three-time Pro Bowl right guard Trai Turner was placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol on Wednesday.“We are missing a Pro Bowler on offense,” said wide receiver Devin Funchess, referring to Olsen. “We are just here to play our game. Those guys don’t make up their whole team and Greg does not make up our whole team. … I know for sure in our locker room we have the next-man-up mentality.”The Falcons placed two key defensive starters , safety Keanu Neal (left knee) and linebacker Deion Jones, on injured reserve this week. Neal will miss the remainder of the season. The team hopes Jones will return https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Torrey-Smith-Jersey , but he must miss at least eight games.Meanwhile, running back Devonta Freeman could be held out with a knee injury. Tevin Coleman would move up to the role of lead back.Here are some things to know about this NFC South showdown:REPLACING OLSENThe Panthers will turn to rookie Ian Thomas at tight end. Thomas is still very raw having only played two seasons of major college football at Indiana.Quarterback Cam Newton said it’s impossible to replace Olsen, a three-time 1,000-yard receiver. Newton likes what he’s seen from Thomas.“He has everything you would want in a premier tight end,” Newton said. “But he has to believe in himself and know that it starts with understanding the small things make a big difference.”TEVIN’S TIMEQuinn prefers having Freeman and Coleman split the carries “because then we can feature the uniqueness of them, the balance of them.” But Sunday could be another chance for Coleman to prove he can be more than a backup. He had six starts in his first three seasons.“We highly regard Tevin,” Quinn said. “We’ve been down this road if it gets to that, Tevin can certainly handle that.”TIGHTEN IT UPMiddle linebacker Luke Kuechly and defensive tackle Kawann Short led Carolina’s defense in holding Dallas to 232 yards and eight points last week. Kuechly was all over the field, making 13 tackles. He set the tone with six stops in the first quarter.“Luke played out of his mind Dontari Poe Color Rush Jersey ,” defensive coordinator Eric Washington said. “But that’s who Luke Kuechly is.”Short had two timely sacks. He lines up beside former Falcons defensive tackle Dontari Poe.BAYOU BROTHERHOODIn a handoff from one former Louisiana State player to another, Duke Riley will take over for Jones at inside linebacker. Riley had been starting on the weak side.Rookie Foyesade Oluokun, a sixth-round pick out of Yale, could share time with Kemal Ishmael at weakside linebacker, with De’Vondre Campbell still starting on the strongside.Damontae Kazee will be start at Neal’s safety spot.QUICK STUDYThe Panthers’ makeshift offensive line could include eight-year NFL veteran tackle Chris Clark , who was signed on Wednesday. Coach Ron Rivera said Clark is “in really good shape right now.”