• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Falcons host Panthers in NFC South battle

Sep 23, 2007 - 12:17 PM Carolina (1-1) at Atlanta (0-2) Sunday 4:15 pm EDTATLANTA (Ticker) - Perhaps a home game will get the AtlantaFalcons' sputtering offense on track.Trying to avoid their first 0-3 start in eight years, theFalcons host the Carolina Panthers in an NFC South matchup onSunday.After a rough offseason that included the suspension ofquarterback Michael Vick, who pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting charges, the Falcons have managed just one touchdown intheir first two games for new coach Bobby Petrino.Atlanta has not started 0-3 since losing its first four games in1999.Joey Harrington, who has a 23-45 record as a startingquarterback in his career, has completed 35-of-52 passes for 399yard and two interceptions in his first two games. Last Sunday,Harrington went 12-of-20 for 200 yards in a 13-7 loss atJacksonville.Harrington hopes to take advantage of a Carolina defense thatstruggled against the pass in last Sunday's 34-21 home lossHouston. Texans quarterback Matt Schaub completed 20-of-28passes and Andre Johnson had seven catches for 120 yards and ascore.Led by quarterback Jake Delhomme and wide receiver Steve Smith,the Panthers' passing game has been productive.Delhomme has thrown for six touchdowns in two games, while Smithhas surpassed 100 yards receiving in each contest. He has 15receptions for 271 yards and four scores.The teams split two meetings last season, each winning on theroad.Atlanta has won 10 of the last 14 games between the teams.