CHARLOTTE — By mid-Wednesday afternoon, the Panthers only had a day of film study on their next opponent, the Falcons, but it was enough to make an impression. The Atlanta defense has been dominant when it comes to rushing the passer, and when Panthers' coach Dave Canales was asked what jumped off the tape, even after just a day of study, he had a long list of things to discuss.

"It's effort and depth," began Canales. "They have a really good group of rushers, whether it's inside or outside, and then (linebacker Kaden) Ellis comes in there in a mug type of situation, and he's got an excellent way of being a part of the stunts and adding himself into a five-man rush."

Added receiver Tetairoa McMillan, "They're flying around. They got a lot of young guys that contribute, obviously, they got a good front seven, they got a good collective defense, so, obviously, we're looking forward to that battle. We'll see what happens."

It's a front seven that, on its own, is formidable, boasting two rising rookies, Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., alongside defensive linemen Brandon Dorlus and Zach Harrison. But while the Falcons are in the Top 5 in the league in total sacks with 29, no single pass-rusher even cracks the Top 30.

This is because Falcons' defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's group is doing it by committee with 15 guys registering at least 0.5 sacks, and 13 of those with 1.0 or more, thanks to defensive backs getting in on the action as well.

"They use their DBs also with different blitzes, and I think Jeff Ulbrich has done a really great job of having variety and how they attack the pass game, from a rush standpoint. But at the end of the day, they got some talented guys, and they got some young speed on the edges. And they got Leonard Floyd too," Canales continued, pointing to the 10-year vet who has 1.5 sacks so far this season. "On any given play, he looks as good as he ever did.

"So this is a group I really respect. We're aware of that. You know, we have to be mindful of the different ways they're going to try to create that rush. The bottom line is it starts with effort, and this is a group that really plays hard. They've looked like that since the beginning of the season."

Floyd did not practice on Wednesday with a hamstring injury.

One thing that is different from the beginning of the season and from when the Panthers faced the Falcons in Week 3, though, is the return of cornerback A.J. Terrell.

The veteran corner suffered a hamstring injury in Week 2 of this season that sidelined him until Week 6. In his seven games, Terrell has 32 tackles, which is tied for fifth-most on the team, and four passes defended.

"First things first, you know, A.J. wasn't playing that first week, so that's obviously going to be a big change," noted McMillan. "I know they got some guys down and whatnot trying to find some guys in the right spot, but it's a completely different team than we played the first time, so you know we just got to expect everything."

But back to that pass-rush. It has reached another level over the last two weeks, with 7.0 sacks against the Colts on Sunday and 6.0 versus the Patriots in Week 9.

The Panthers were able to hold the Falcons to just 1.0 sack back in Week 3. It's a more recent performance that could inspire more confidence, though: the Week 9 win against the Packers, during which Bryce Young took just 1.0 sack on a safety blitz, and the offensive line held Micah Parsons to zero pressures. It was a blueprint built on fundamentals—getting the ball out quickly and running the ball—and one the Panthers' offense knows they can draw on this coming Sunday.

"I think staying on our tools, listening to our coaching points," said tight end Tommy Tremble of the approach. "As long as we plan—our game plan is really good, so if we can handle that and execute the right way, I think we'll be all right.

"They're good players all around the board. That's something I think they've upgraded a lot this past season. Their defense is good, and so we've got to address that by having good technique, doing the right things, and being in the right places, and I think that's the best way to attack."

It only takes a quick glance at the film to see what kind of challenge the Falcons' defense presents. But after a week in which the Saints swallowed up the line of scrimmage, the Panthers are looking for a chance to reset. The test won't get any easier this Sunday, but thus is the nature of the NFL.

"It really just jumps off the tape, the physicality with which they're playing," said Young. "Obviously, playing really aggressively. They're making a lot of plays, it's a really good group, they have some young guys that, you see them continue to make jumps and get better and better as the year goes, playing more and more comfortable, settling in being the players that they're that they are.

"So we have a ton of respect for them at all three levels. They do a good job executing their scheme, have a good scheme, so we're familiar with them. Again, we have a ton of respect for them as an opponent. It's a great opportunity for us to go up against a great unit."