Here are three questions with Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan about the Panthers:
Q: How did Dontari Poe and Kawann Short look in the middle of that defense against Dallas?
A: "They look good. With Poe being here last year (we know) he's a talented player. He works hard. Very stout on the inside. Having played against Short for a long time, he's a good player. He physical. He's disruptive in the run game. He's disruptive in the pass game. We certainly have to account for both of those guys on the interior because they are difficult to go against."
Q: Does it seem like Luke Kuechly just shows up at the football?
A: "Yes, he does. He's a tackling machine. Every week, double-digit tackles. He does a great job within their scheme of getting them set and into the right stuff, in and out of blitzes. Getting them to the right checks. He does a great job. He's a ball-hawk."
Q: What’s your outfit for Sunday? Will you try to match Cam Newton?
A: "I'm probably a little more conservative, I guess."
About the Panthers
The Panthers (1-0) opened the season with a 16-8 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
This will be the 47th regular-season meeting with the Panthers. The Falcons lead the series, 28-18.
The two teams split last season with Carolina winning 20-17 at home on Nov. 5 and the Falcons winning 22-10 on Dec. 31 at home.
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