2017 Falcons and 2016 Panthers: The Lazy Narrative

The 2017 Atlanta Falcons will not be the same as the 2016 Carolina Panthers, no matter how hard people try to push the narrative. The 2015 Carolina Panthers and the 2016 Atlanta Falcons are both NFC South teams that made it to the Super Bowl and were led by the league MVP at quarterback.

A look at the key players in the Super Bowl

Had best season, making All-Pro, leading NFL in passer rating , with 38 TDs … First-rounder in 2008, third overall pick … Has thrown for seven touchdowns and run for one in playoffs … Popular in New England because of college career, won’t be so popular there if he beats Patriots. Rushed for 1,000-plus yards and 11 TDs for second straight season … Also can catch the ball … Fourth-round pick who became starter in second NFL year.