Overestimated and underachieved

…but its only one game right?

It was a case of the Falcon and the Pussycat or so many thought on Sunday after the Panthers 20-6 defeat to the Falcons. According to Rushing back Warrin Dunn, they walked into this game as the underdogs after rushing for 132 yards “We’ve added some guys who have been to the Pro Bowl. There’s an emphasis to get to the next level.”

John Abraham, had two sacks and two forced fumbles, while Michael Vick threw two touchdown passes as the Falcons shook off the 44-11 loss to the Panthers.

Said of The Falcons for not giving 100% in the past by many; this was confirmed by Vick when he admitted that he did not try his hardest in the off season in Atlanta’s final regular season game.

The team’s line has been revamped during the off season, with the acquisition of Abraham from the New York Jets and Grady Jackson from Green Bay. This helped to hold the Panthers to 215 yards as they played without all-Pro receiver Steve Smith, inactive with a right hamstring injury. Atlanta also rolled on offense, finishing with 252 yards rushing.

Defense wins games and Carolina, which had the third-rated defense a year ago, slumped to begin a season with high expectations after last season’s loss in the NFC championship game.

“It wasn’t the Super Bowl, but it was a division game and a conference game. They kicked our tails. I’m not proud of it, but I’m being honest.” admitted DT Kris Jenkins

Highlights include a 1-yard touchdown pass to Alge Crumpler by Vick late in the third quarter for a 20-6 lead. Crumpler out-muscled Panthers linebacker Chris Draft, who in training camp called Vick just an average passer who gets hit a lot.

Atlanta took a 13-3 halftime lead, getting the only touchdown of the half late into it. Vick proved he wasn’t ‘average’

Vick rolled toward the left sideline, attracting the defense to him before releasing a short pass to Michael Jenkins. He broke Ken Lucas’ tackle along the sideline and raced 34 yards for a touchdown with 28 seconds left…….. the stuff this game is made of….

The Panthers generated 89 yards offense in the first half - fitting because they were missing all pro receiver Steve Smith, quarterback Jake Delhomme’s primary target last season. Smith, inactive with a right hamstring injury.

“He’s a big part of our offense, but still, that’s not an excuse for this performance,” Delhomme said.

The Panthers went to their newest option, veteran Keyshawn Johnson, for an 8-yard pass on the first play from scrimmage. But Johnson had only four catches for 40 yards and Delhomme was 21-of-36 for 186 yards and an interception. The Panthers were unable to bring it together

The Panthers were further hampered when left tackle Travelle Wharton left in the second quarter with a left knee strain. The injuries continued with the loss of middle linebacker Dan Morgan with a concussion early in the second quarter. Adam Seward replaced Morgan, who has a history of concussions.

So to sum it up, the underdogs became the champion with an extra boost to their confidence. The Falcons meet Tampa Bay in week 2