Panthers LB Thomas Davis vs. Falcons RBs Devonta Freeman/Tevin Coleman: Davis was suspended for one game for a hit he put on Green Bay wide receiver Davante Adams. He had his suspension reduced from two games to one. Shaq Thompson started for Davis against the Bucs last week. Davis is key to helping the Panthers stop the run. Freeman was held to 46 yards on 11 carries when the teams met Nov. 5, and Coleman gained 5 yards on five carries. The Falcons need to run the ball better because the passing attack has misfired of late.
Panthers WR Devin Funchess vs. Falcons CB Desmond Trufant: Funchess has 61 catches for 792 yards and seven touchdowns and has developed into Newton's top wide receiving target. Trufant has two interceptions, 11 passes defensed and three fumble recoveries. He gave up a 54-yard touchdown pass against speedy Saints wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. last week.
Panthers DTs Kwann Short/Star Lotulelei vs. Falcons OGs Wes Schweitzer/Ben Garland: Short (6-foot-2, 315 pounds) and Lotulelei (6-2, 315) are a load up front and allow middle linebacker Luke Kuechly to roam the field. Short has 48 tackles, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Lotulelei has 25 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Schweitzer (6-5, 314) and Garland (6-5, 308) are scrappy in the run game, but will not anchor better in pass protection.
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