Falcons’ run defense on the hot seat Sunday vs. Carolina

FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons’ run defense will be on the hot seat when they face the Panthers at 1 p.m. Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.

When the Panthers upset the Falcons last season, 44-38 in overtime, they rushed for 155 yards on 30 carries for 5.2 yards per carry. Running backs Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle and Trevor Etienne are off to slow starts this season because the Panthers have fallen behind in their first two games and had to try to pass to catch up.

Carolina fell behind 23-3 to Jacksonville and 27-3 to Arizona. With two starting offensive linemen out, the Panthers will try to lean on their rushing attack.

“That’s how I see it every week,” Falcons linebacker Divine Deablo said. “We have to stop the run every week. Make them one-dimensional, and that’s how we’ll win games.”

After falling behind against the Cardinals, the Panthers did score 19 consecutive points. The rally came up short.

“I notice that they come out in empty a lot,” Deablo said. “We just have to come up with some defenses or adjust on the fly. Like they are going to spread us out and get the ball out quick. We just have to adjust to those plays.”

Center Austin Corbett (left knee) and guard Robert Hunt (torn biceps) were placed on injured reserve. Cade Mays is set to take over at center and Chandler Zavala at guard.

“We know that they are two guys down, but that doesn’t mean anything,” Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus said. “I feel like if you’re in the league, you’re good enough to play football.”

The Falcons are aware of the Panthers’ slow starts.

“That’s the biggest thing, is how we do in the first two (drives), stop the run,” Dorlus said. “That’s the main priority. We can’t look at Carolina like they are just a sorry team. They are a great NFL team. They have great players on their team still. We have to go out there and execute, finish our plays. The biggest thing is, this is the NFL. Anybody can win the game.”