Why to watch
With the Cam Newton-to-Steve Smith connection, the Panthers don't ever seem to be really out of a game. They just have to find ways, as a young rebuilding team, to seize the moment in the fourth quarter. Matt Ryan is renowned as "Matty Ice," but the late-game heroics have been missing in 2011.
Inside story
For all of the explosive plays the Falcons were coveting with the drafting of Julio Jones, Ryan is tied for 22nd in NFL with 13 passes of 20 yards or more. Newton has 29, trailing only Tom Brady (30). Newton has a rating of 84.3. Ryan has a rating of 79.9.