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Falcons, Panthers vie for top spot in NFC South

Sep 23, 2008 - 6:16 PM Atlanta (2-1) at Carolina (2-1), 1:00 pm EDT

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) -- The Atlanta Falcons' lone road win last season came against the Carolina Panthers. If they can duplicate the feat, the Falcons will take over the division lead.

Michael Turner and the Falcons seek their first win away from the Georgia Dome this year when they visit the Panthers on Sunday in an NFC South contest.

Atlanta (2-1) has looked like a different team on the road this season. The Falcons demolished the Detroit Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs at home, but could not even get into the end zone at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Turner has rushed for 324 yards and five touchdowns during Atlanta's two home wins, while gaining just 42 yards in the one road game.

The rushing attack is vital for the Falcons, who are starting rookie quarterback Matt Ryan. Both of Ryan's touchdown passes came at home with Turner flourishing, and both his interceptions were against the Bucs.

The Panthers (2-1) are looking to rebound from a 20-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and retake the NFC South lead.

Carolina led, 10-0, late in the first half, but after a Vikings' field goal with 1:46 remaining in the second quarter, Jake Delhomme was sacked by Minnesota cornerback Antoine Winfield, who forced a fumble that he returned for a touchdown to tie the game.

After the momentum swing, the Panthers failed to get anything going after the break.

Steve Smith, who returned last week from a two-game suspension, did not help fix Carolina's offensive woes this season. The Panthers are yet to have a 100-yard rushing or receiving game from a player.

Delhomme has thrown just one touchdown pass, which came on the final play of the season-opening win over the San Diego Chargers. His favorite target, Smith hauled in four catches for 70 yards last week.