FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons were the only team to beat the Carolina Panthers in the 2015 regular season, but they know they have some catching up to do.
The Panthers, who are favorites to beat the Broncos in Super Bowl 50, have won three consecutive NFC South titles after years of the teams annually passing the title around since the formation of the division back in 2002.
“We have to give them their props and respect of winning the division three times (in a row),” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “One of the things about winning the division it ensures that you are going to start playing the playoffs at home. That’s a huge advantage. That’s the goal. For us, in terms of going back for this division and being a real factor in that, that’s going to be a factor in our thinking, that’s for sure.”
The Panthers pummeled the Falcons 38-0 on Dec. 13 in Charlotte. Two weeks later in a shocker, the Falcons upset the Panthers 20-13 at the Georgia Dome on Dec. 27
“We are looking forward to that challenge, but they do get our respect as they’ve done it three years in a row,” Quinn said. “The goal of that when you are playing well and winning your division, that ensures you are playing some playoff ball at your spot. Once you know that, it kind of gets rolling from there. It’s an important part and one that we do talk about a bunch at least as a staff. Can our culture, can our strategy and the way that we are doing things top what they are doing and the three other clubs.”
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff tipped his hat to current Panthers general manger Dave Gettleman. However, most of the team’s foundation was built by former general manager Marty Hurney.
“They have been very consistent with their approach,” Dimitroff said. “It’s something that we believe in here. We are going to continue to be consistent. That’s where we think it can be a difference. Where we are not being flippant about changing on the fly. We want to be very consistent, thoughtful and mindful of heading in the right direction.”
