Charlotte, Carolina (AP)-- The

Na’il Diggs levels Ashley Lelie in their debut’s after Lelie drops an easy catch.

Atlanta Falcons got off to a horrendous start in their season opener against the Carolina Panthers, and at no point throughout the game did it ever seem that they were actually going to contest them as the Panthers ran away with a convincing 23-14 victory over the morale-depleted Falcons. There was a mood of optimism in the Falcons clubhouse coming into the season opener, but after a poor showing against their NFC South rivals, the Falcons are left thinking about what they can realistically achieve this season, as areas which were the achillies heal for Atlanta last season did not seem to be mended and dealt with over the offseason. Much like 2005, the defense against the run was just as slow and weak as Atlanta struggled to stop the run in key stages of the contest particularly in the forth quarter when the Panthers were able to rush for first down and kill precious seconds off the clock. In addition, the Falcons offensive unit looking sluggish and out of sync as Michael Vick played like a limited-experienced backup quarterback unable to complete passes as well as making mental errors and the receiving core still looked inexperienced and lost out on the field. Though the Falcons were able to stay close and put themselves in a legitimate shot to come out of Carolina with a win it was clear from the get go that there was really only one team who was going to win this game.
The Panthers quickly showed their potential for a Superbowl berth this season, after falling one win short of the big game last season, as in their opening series of the 2006 season QB Jake Delhomme marched his unit up the field before settling for a John Kasey 33 yard field goal. Atlanta looked motivated to equal or best the Panthers in their first series, but that was not to be as Panthers linebacker Dan Morgan picked off a Vick pass. Morgan was later injured in attempting to return the interception and did not return for the Panthers. It later went from bad to worse for the Falcons as Delhomme connected on his first touchdown pass of the season to Keary Colbert on a play which was everything but normal. Delhomme’s pass was firstly deflected by Lawyer Milloy, the football then bounced of WR Steve Smith’s hands, and then off Milloy again, this time his legs where Colbert corralled it in and trotted in for the score. A 59 yard run by Warrick Dunn for a score, put the Falcons momentarily back into the game as the first quarter whistle blew.

After deflecting off several bodies the football lands in the hands of Keary Colbert.

In the second quarter the Falcons secondary continued to struggle as Delhomme picked out open areas finding open receivers, mainly Keyshawn Johnson who, making his Panther debut, caught 6 passes for 71 yards. The Falcons quickly gave up 10 points to the Panthers in the second quarter as Kasay connected on his second field goal, which was quickly followed by Vick’s second interception on the ensuing drive, this time by Ken Lucas who added insult to injury before halftime by returning 30 yards for the touchdown. At halftime, the Falcons looked lost and frustrated, trailing 20-7.
When play resumed in the second half, much of the same story unfolded as Delhomme took the Panthers to the brink of at least another field goal before DeAngelo Hall decided to give his Falcons a boost. On a crucial third down play deep in Atlanta territory Delhomme looked to connect with star WR Steve Smith but Hall came up with a huge play stepping in front of the pass and intercepting it. Hall’s pick was a momentum turning as the Falcons looked possessed to cut into the Panther advantage. But luck was not on Atlanta’s side today as just when it seemed Vick had found his groove in making passes, the offensive line starting giving away holding penalties as they struggled to contain the Panthers front line. Despite the holds, Vick was still able to scramble to convert on forth and seven to keep the drive alive, but it was all for no use as Vick was picked off once again, causing Panther players and fans to erupt, knowing that for the third straight time that they have frustrated the controversial player known as Michael Vick.

DeAngelo Hall intercepts the pass intended for Steve Smith.

In the final stages of the contest Atlanta pulled with nine, as Vick threw a short out to TE Alge Crumpler who broke a few tackles and ended up scoring for a long but useless 84 yard completion. Before the final whistle blew, the Falcons woes were highlighted once again as RB Deshaun Foster ran for consistent first downs to kill the clock and give Carolina the much needed divisional win.
After the game, Falcons head coach Jim Mora sent a message to his team, “We’re not execute in the fashion we wish to, and if it is personal issues that is causing this then I’m not going to hesitate to make the changes.” Could these comment have been directed at Vick who finds himself in the hot seat after only 117 yards passing and 3 interceptions despite 51 yards on the ground, or could it just be a wake up call from a third year coach trying to find the team which he took the NFC Championship Game just two year ago. Warrick Dunn was the only factor for the Falcons on offense as he rushed for 119 yards and a score on only 14 attempts, but with the way the Panthers ran the ball his efforts in the end were overshadowed and ineffective.
The Falcons will face a tough week building up to their next game against another divisional rival in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both coach Mora and Co. as well as the media, who will be looking for answer on why this high profile team still looks as bad as they did in the stretch run of previous year.

Game Boxscore.