Here are three key matchups to watch when the Falcons (3-9) host the Panthers (5-7) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey and Falcons LB Deion Jones: McCaffrey has 1,811 yards from scrimmage and is dangerous running the ball and in the passing game. When the teams met Nov. 17, he amassed 191 yards from scrimmage, but the Panthers shot themselves in the foot with three red-zone turnovers. Jones has done a good job of matching up on backs out of the backfield. "He's got a unique ability to do that," Falcons defensive passing-game coordinator Jerome Henderson said. "We'll ask him to do that some against McCaffrey. We'll ask him to drop in coverage deep some like he always does."
Panthers SS Eric Reid vs. Falcons FB Keith Smith: Reid dropped down in the box and helped the Panthers hold the Falcons to 54 yards rushing on 26 carries in the last meeting. After giving up 248 yards rushing against Washington last week, the Panthers will try to rally to stop the run. Smith has been a dependable lead blocker and well need to win his battles with Reid.
Panthers CB James Bradberry vs. Falcons WR Julio Jones: In the last meeting, the Panthers elected to double-cover Jones, who still managed six catches for 91 yards. Jones is coming back after missing one game with an AC joint shoulder sprain. Bradberry finished with seven tackles in the 29-3 win by the Falcons on Nov. 17. While Jones had special attention, Calvin Ridley got loose for eight catches and 143 yards and a touchdown.
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