Falcons at Panthers: 3 key matchups

ew season, bigger beard. Falcons offensive lineman Sam Baker has let his beard grow out, sporting some additional length on his chin. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com Falcons LT Will Svitek or Sam Baker vs. Panthers DEs Charles Johnson/Greg Hardy:  Svitek, who has taken over for Sam Baker, was not a starter in the Week 6 game at the Georgia Dome. Svitek has a groin injury and was limited in practice on Friday. Baker fully participated.  The Falcons are concerned about Johnson and Hardy, who will flip-flop sides during the game. Johnson has 8.5 sacks and Hardy has three. “We have to take care of those edge guys and keep them out of Matt [Ryan’s] face,” Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey said. “They are playing hard. There is no doubt that [Carolina coach] Ron [Rivera] has got those guys going.” Falcons OLB Mike Peterson vs. Panthers QB Cam Newton: Peterson is expected to start for Stephen Nicholas. In the previous meeting, Nicholas was responsible for Newton on …