Here’s what Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had to say about the Panthers, who the Falcons will play at 1 p.m. Sunday in Charlotte:
ON THE PANTHERS' DEFENSE: "They are a really, really good defense across the board. The front seven is talented. They know their scheme really well. They fit the run extremely well. They pass rush with four well, and they've got a good pressure package."
ON THE PANTHERS' LINEBACKERS: "They are all athletic. All three of them, Thomas Davis. Shaq (Thompson) and Luke (Kuechly), all of those guys can run. Their ability to go sideline to sideline is probably as good three-player tandem than there is in the league. They all understand their scheme really well. They are very good in terms understanding where their issues are defensively and knowing that and playing accordingly. They are all very good tacklers. When they get their opportunities, they tackle really, really well."
ON THE PANTHERS' YOUNG CORNERS (James Bradberry and Daryl Worley): "First time seeing those guys was early, like Week 4 last year. Those have come a long way. They are playing really good. They understand their scheme a lot better. From what it appears on film, they are very comfortable in terms of what they are doing with their coverages."
