The Atlanta Falcons are looking at this week’s trip to take on the Carolina Panthers as just as big as other games that might come with a high-profile tag.
“The big part for us is teaching all the rookies, letting them guys know that every week in the National Football League is primetime,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said. “You got to always bring the energy.”
The teams meet Sunday afternoon in Charlotte.
The Falcons (1-1) are coming off Sunday night’s 22-6 victory at Minnesota.
“We haven’t played our best game yet,” Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. said.
The Panthers (0-2) will be playing in their home opener after losses at Jacksonville and Arizona. There are no hints that the Panthers will bench quarterback Bryce Young like they did a year ago following two games.
“Obviously, there’s stuff Bryce would come up here and say he’d like to clean up from the first two games,” Carolina coach Dave Canales said about Young. “I’m fired up with where we’re headed.”
Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has gained 167 yards on the ground across two games, while picking up another 125 yards on receptions.
Morris elevated Robinson’s stature this week by proclaiming him “definitely the best player in football.”
“It was great to be able to see the run game going,” Penix said. “I want to see this offense when we have the run and the pass going at the same time and see how electric we can be.”
While this will be the Panthers’ divisional opener, the Falcons have already taken a Week 1 home loss to Tampa Bay, making this game that much more important.
Penix threw for 312 yards against Carolina in last year’s regular-season finale, though the Panthers won 44-38 on a day that began with Falcons still holding hopes of reaching the postseason. He said he expects to see a variety of setups from the Panthers defense.
“They present a lot of different things,” Penix said. “They got playmakers. They will make plays. We just got to make more.”
Carolina racked up 537 yards in that game last January, and Young had the best game of his professional career, completing 73.5 percent of his passes for 251 yards with three passing touchdowns and two rushing scores.
There was little flow offensively last week for the Panthers in the loss to Arizona until late in the third quarter when facing a 27-3 deficit. The rushing attack stalled, managing just 49 rushing yards.
“I want to see that mix come alive,” Canales said.
The Falcons need a replacement for A.J. Terrell Jr., a cornerback who did not practice Wednesday with a hamstring injury suffered last weekend and is considered week-to-week, Morris said. Dee Alford filled in, but Morris wouldn’t commit to Alford’s role against the Panthers.
“We want to have those guys go out there and compete at a very high level this week in order to figure out who gets the best opportunity,” Morris said, pointing out that Clark Phillips III is trending up as he comes off a preseason rib injury.
Defensive end James Pierce Jr. (groin), tight end Charlie Woerner (ankle) and receiver Jamal Agnew (groin) also did not practice for Atlanta Wednesday. Receivers Darnell Mooney (shoulder) and Jamal Washington (concussion) were limited along with offensive lineman Jack Nelson (calf), linebacker Kaden Elliss (neck) and safety DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring).
The Panthers are retooling their offensive front with guard Robert Hunt and center Austin Corbett going on injured reserve. Cade Mays is shifting to center to take Corbett’s spot, while Chandler Zavala will start at right guard. Mays started eight games at that position last year.
Canales said Mays competed for the starting position this season, so should be well-suited to be back as a starter.
“Those reps are going to pay dividends for us,” he said.
Panthers linebacker Patrick Jones II and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton both were held out of Wednesday’s practice due to hamstring injuries. Receiver Xavier Legette (hamstring) was a limited participant.
The Falcons are 37-23 all-time against Carolina, with a 16-14 mark in Charlotte. The teams have split games in each of the past five seasons.
