FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- For the first three years of his career defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux embraced the role of part-time starter, solid contributor.
The former Iowa star started 16 games from 2005 to 2007 totaling 127 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He entered 2008 as a full-time starter for the first time in his career and quickly impressed the Falcons new coaching staff.
Head Coach Mike Smith said Babineaux's best game came in Week 2 where he recorded his first sack of the season. The defensive tackle also had some nice stops along the line of scrimmage in last week's win over the Kansas City Chiefs. He has the second-most tackles among Falcons defensive linemen behind defensive end Jamaal Anderson.
"It's me becoming a veteran and understanding the game more," Babineaux said. "Everything is starting to be easier for me understanding what they're trying to do at certain times and understanding their scheme."
Scheme becomes even more important Sunday as the Falcons travel to Charlotte, N.C. to face the Carolina Panthers (2-1). The Panthers lost their first game of the season last week at Minnesota and need a win to stay atop the NFC South. The 2-1 Falcons are focused on slowing the Panthers running game to stay on pace in the division.
"Carolina has two very good running backs," veteran linebacker Keith Brooking said when asked about Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. "It's very similar to what we have here. They're very good at a lot of things... These guys can do it all, both of them. They're very good in between the tackles, break a lot of tackles and they can also bounce the ball and beat you with their speed."
Stewart and Williams are almost identical in size and stats. They are separated by just eight carries and 1 rushing yard.
"Both are tough runners," Babineaux said. "I don't think one hit will bring those guys down so we have to game plan for both of them."
The Falcons rank 23rd in the league against the run, but most of the yards have come from big plays on select drives. Forcing the Panthers to abandon the run -- with a Falcons lead or stingy defense -- will be paramount.
"We have to make it a one-dimensional game," Brooking said. "We've been very solid against the run. We have to eliminate that one or two plays a game. I think it's a case of guys trying to do too much, not letting the defense come to them."
RUN, RUN, RUN: Slowing the Panthers' balanced run game (101 yards per game) will be the goal of the Falcons defense. The Falcons offense will carry a similar focus into Sunday and look to ride Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood to success.
The Birds lead the league in rushing (203 yards per game) and Turner leads the league in rushing yards. He and Norwood each average more than 6 yards per carry. No surprise teams are starting to load up the area around the line of scrimmage to stop the Falcons run game.
"It gets the juices flowing because it lets us know they respect us," fullback Ovie Mughelli said Wednesday. "Any team would be foolish not to play eight guys in the box looking at what we've done in the running game. I look at it as a challenge."
And the Panthers may present the toughest challenge yet.
Carolina's defense hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher this season. Middle linebacker Jon Beason, a rookie in 2007, leads the team with 34 tackles. He's just one name in an athletic front seven that includes defensive end Julius Peppers and former Georgia star Thomas Davis. The Panthers rank in the NFL top 15 in opponent passing and rushing yards and total defense.
A commitment to the running game could pay long-term dividends for the Falcons, however, by creating openings in the passing game. Just last week Matt Ryan found Roddy White with a 70-yard touchdown pass largely attributed to a power running game.
"I think we've run the ball so well that it draws safeties down in the box and keeps guys honest and low in the secondary," Ryan said. "That's the biggest part of being able to get the ball down the field is have a solid run game."
PRESSURE MOUNTING: John Abraham has five career sacks against Carolina with multiple sacks in two of his last three games against the Panthers.
He knows his team must stop the run but getting to the quarterback and adding to his league-high six sacks will certainly help the Falcons cause.
“Minnesota did a nice job pressuring the quarterback last week," Smith said. "I think it is important every week that you are able to affect the quarterback. What I mean by that is you are not letting them get comfortable in the pocket.”
Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme has a habit of leading comebacks (he has a 95.5 fourth-quarter passer rating) but isn't a threat outside the pocket. Given time, however, he can find wide receiver Steve Smith for big chunks of yardage. In his first game back after serving a two-game suspension, Smith caught four passes for 70 yards.
"I think he's one of the best players in the league," veteran safety Lawyer Milloy said. "He's an explosive player (that) plays bigger than he is. He's definitely a threat and we're going to know where he's at every play."
SHUFFLING THE CARDS: There are two injuries of note for the Birds.
Starting left tackle Sam Baker missed practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with an illness.
“He is still day to day. I know that he had the tests done," Smith said. "He is feeling better so we are just going to wait and see. Like I said before, we are not going to put him back out on the field until he is ready to go and the medical people say he is ready.”
Baker suffered a concussion in a Week 2 loss at Tampa Bay but returned to start last week. Todd Weiner is expected to replace him in the lineup if he can't play.
The team will also miss the services of wide receiver Laurent Robinson (knee).
THE SKINNY: Few NFL experts predicted the Falcons to be lurking near the top of the NFC South when the season began. Yet, Sunday's game is essentially for at worst a tie at No. 1. With that in mind, the Falcons aren't taking the Panthers lightly.
"I know Coach Fox and his staff;" Smith said. "They do an outstanding job so it's going to be a big, big challenge for us this week."
After a sub-par showing in the first road game of 2008 the Falcons also look to prove something to the NFL. This week also has a chance for some more national recognition.
"Everybody's motto is there aren't many opportunities you get in the NFL to play for first place," Ryan said. "We have that opportunity this week so hopefully we can take advantage of it."
NUMBERS, NOTES AND COLORS: Some digits, info and hues to get you ready for Sunday's game against the Panthers...
- The road team has won the last five meetings in this series.
- Atlanta is 7-6 all-time at Carolina.
- The first game in Panthers franchise history was in Atlanta (the Falcons won in overtime).
- Atlanta ranks in the league's top-15 in seven major statistical categories.
- 58.8 percent of Ryan's completions this season have gone for first downs.
- The Falcons lead the overall series with the Panthers 16-10.
- With four more tackles Milloy will reach 1,500 for his career.
- Brooking has registered at least five tackles in 50 straight games.
- Norwood has 100 combined yards (rushing, receiving, returns) in six-straight games.
MORE FALCONS-PANTHERS COVERAGE:
- SCOUTING REPORT: J. Mike Previews the Falcons-Panthers game
- PREVIEW: NFL Films previews Falcons-Panthers
- NOTEBOOK: Running game clears path for success
- NEWS: Three Falcons up for weekly awards
- RELEASE: Turner named NFC Offensive Player of the Week
- J. MIKE'S MISSIVES: Birdseed | Turner Honored | Team Cautious with Baker
- THROWBACK: Pro Football Hall of Fame discusses Falcons-Panthers history
- ASK THE COACH: Chris Scelfo talks about the role of the tight end
- FOE AUDIO: John Fox | Jake Delhomme
- FANTASY FOOTBALL: Matt and Al check in with Fantasy Falconcast
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith
- INJURY REPORT: More on this week's injuries in the Saint Joseph's Health and Wellness Center
- VIDEO: From the Training Room | From the Strength Training Room
- LOCKER ROOM: Turner | Abraham | Milloy | Norwood | Weiner | Ryan | Brooking
- COMMUNITY: Falcons First Down for Fitness | Read with a Falcon
- OFF THE CUFF: Matt Moore remembers Larry Munson as Birds broadcaster
- FALCON AL: Cheerleader of the Game | Fan of the Game
