Falcons MLB Nate Stupar vs. Panthers RB Cameron Artis-Payne: Stupar started for Paul Worrilow against the Jaguars and is expected to start against the Panthers. He'll have a challenge to stop the Panthers' rushing attack. Artis-Payne, a rookie from Auburn, had just 16 rushing yards on four carries at halftime against the Giants, but he gained 43 yards on 10 carries and caught two passes for another 34 yards in the second half. He entered the game with 31 rushing yards and no receptions.
Falcons LG Andy Levitre vs. Panthers DT Kawann Short: Levitre struggled in pass protection in the previous meeting and Short has nine sacks to lead the Panthers. St. Louis' Aaron Donald (11) and Cincinnati's Geno Atkins (10) are the only defensive tackles with more sacks than Short. Short, who was drafted 44th in the second round of the 2013 draft out of Purdue, continues to improve and combines quickness with a brute strength.
Falcons SS Kemal Ishmael vs. Panthers TE Greg Olsen: Ishmael, who has taken over for the injured William Moore, came up with an interception while covering Jacksonville tight end Marcedes Lewis and returned it 84 yards to set up a key field goal. Olsen, who made the Pro Bowl, is the Panthers' leading receiver with 71 catches for 1,048 yards and seven touchdowns.
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