Atlanta Falcons: 3 Players that must shine vs. Panthers, Week 14
1. Julio Jones
Julio Jones has been the top target within the passing game for Atlanta so far in the 2019 campaign, as he has been really since he broke into the league. In the Week 13 loss in Atlanta against New Orleans, Jones’ absence was certainly felt in the game on Thanksgiving night, with the star receiver being a late scratch for the contest on national television while struggling to recover from a shoulder injury.
The Falcons’ passing game was still pretty solid in the game behind quarterback Matt Ryan under center, racking up just over 300 yards and two touchdowns through the air in the losing effort, but Jones offers this offense an explosive target that they certainly missed in the game against the Saints.
Fellow wide receiver Calvin Ridley and company did their best to try and fill in the hole that was left behind by Jones in the game against New Orleans, with Ridley leading the way in the passing game with 91 yards receiving on eight catches and 10 targets, but having a target and threat like Jones within the passing game will obviously boost Atlanta’s offensive efforts.
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In order for Atlanta to put itself in a good position to come out with a bounce-back win in Week 14 this Sunday against NFC South opponent Carolina at home in Atlanta, the Falcons will need to get Jones back on the field and healthy while getting him back incorporated into the passing attack.