The Panthers defense played like garbage today. There’s no nice way to say it. That’s the bottom line of how today’s 31-24 loss to the Falcons went. If the Panthers’ defense played a semi-competent game Shaq Thompson Color Rush Jersey , the Panthers would be 2-0 right now. It’s unfortunate that it ended up this way, because the offense played well enough to win. It just wasn’t meant to be, it seems.Let’s dive into the winners and losers from today’s action.WinnersCam Newton: Newton had a great game today if you account for the fact that his receivers let him down multiple times by dropping perfectly thrown passes. He finished the day 32-of-45 passing for 335 yards with three touchdowns and one interception (that totally wasn’t his fault, but we’ll get to that later). Considering 14 of those receptions and 102 of those yards came from Christian McCaffrey, you can see that Newton would have probably left Atlanta with a win if his receivers would have been able to produce for him.Christian McCaffrey: As I mentioned previously, McCaffrey hauled in 14 receptions for 102 yards today and was a key factor in the Panthers moving the ball on offense. He lined up all over the field and made quality plays to keep the chains moving throughout the afternoon. It’s unfortunate that hardly anyone else stepped up, but if the Panthers can keep using McCaffrey like they did against the Falcons the offense has the potential to be dangerous this season.Jarius Wright: Wright grabbed five catches for 62 yards and a touchdown this afternoon Kawann Short Jersey , and he also picked up several key first downs for the Panthers to keep the chains moving. He is a key asset on third down and is one of the best free agent pickups the Panthers have made in a long time. The Panthers finally have their “go-to guy” on third down, and that will benefit the offense as the season progresses.D.J. Moore: Moore took his first career reception and turned it into an electrifying 51-yard touchdown reception that pulled the Panthers to within one score late in the fourth quarter. He almost hauled in the game-tying touchdown as time expired as well, but it just wasn’t meant to be. At any rate, we saw good things from Moore today and should continue to see them as he gets familiar with the speed of the NFL.Graham Gano: He buried a 54-yard field goal to give the Panthers a 3-0 lead in the first quarter. Yeah, that’s good enough to make the winner’s column today. Let that marinate for a few minutes. This week I spoke with Jeff Hartman of Behind the Steel Curtain. He gave us the fan’s perspective of James Conner’s ascendance, the Steelers rebuilt defense, and how embarrassing it was to watch their team tie the Cleveland Browns. The last one is the bit that worries me. I can’t imagine a better way to motivate a team than to tell them early in a season that they are exactly as good as Cleveland. We have Hartman’s opinions on those subjects and more to get you ready for tonight’s game.Cat Scratch Reader: James Conner has kept y’all from missing Le’Veon Bell too much. Is the kid that skilled or is the Steelers’ offensive line having an all-time run blocking season?Behind the Steel Curtain: I would say it is definitely a combination of both. Conner has a burst Vernon Butler Color Rush Jersey , and other skill sets, Bell doesn’t have, but he has also shown he can do everything the Steelers asked Bell to do from a running and receiving perspective. On top of that, the Steelers’ offensive line has been playing out of their minds this season paving the way for Conner and keeping Ben Roethlisberger clean. CSR: Speaking of offensive lines, Bud Dupree is finally showing his potential to beat them and become a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. What changed?BTSC: The hope is Dupree is a late bloomer in regards to his technique. When drafted out of Kentucky he was extremely rough around the edges, and actually never had an outside linebacker coach until he came to the Steelers. It has taken time, but Dupree is starting to look more competent each week Cam Newton Color Rush Jersey , and less like a first round bust.CSR: The Steelers’ new look secondary seems to be pulling it all together. What weaknesses still exist for the Panthers to take advantage of?BTSC: Opposite Joe Haden is a black hole which has yet to be filled. Former first round pick Artie Burns was supposed to be the guy opposite Haden, but hasn’t played a defensive snap since being benched for tardiness to a walkthrough prior to the team’s Week 8 game vs. the Browns. In his stead has been Coty Sensabaugh. Sensabaugh has played well, but is the weak link on the back end of the secondary. Other than Sensabaugh, I would suggest targeting rookie safety Terrell Edmunds. He takes bad angles and is certainly a liability in coverage.CSR: How embarrassing was it for Steelers Nation to tie with the Browns?BTSC: It was more than embarrassing. Some would say humiliating. While the Browns, and their fans, rejoiced over not losing a game, the Steelers viewed it as a loss. A big Michael Palardy Jersey , fat L.CSR: What’s your prediction for tonight?BTSC: The Steelers are tough at home, despite their early season woes, and it is always difficult for the visiting team on Thursday Night Football. When looking up some stats on these two teams, it is uncanny how similar they are... in all aspects. Nonetheless, I like the Steelers at home vs. the Panthers. It should be a close game, and a high scoring contest. Steelers - 34Panthers - 26