This group of articles will take a look at the newly released Panthers schedule, review the opponents, and take our best guess at predicting the outcomes of each game. Here, we’re starting with the second “quarter” of the schedule, the second four games just after the Week 5 bye.
Week 6: @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are a tough team to figure out this year. They drafted Makai Lemon in the first round and added a couple other wide receivers, and rumors are swirling about AJ Brown’s impending trade. They also added to an already
elite front four by trading for former Vikings pass rusher Jonathan Greenard and retaining Nolan Smith. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are young superstars, and the team added Riq Woolen in free agency to bolster that group even more. While Nakobe Dean walked in free agency, the team drafted Jihaad Campbell last year to help fill that void. Eli Stowers was drafted as well, combining with Dallas Goedert to make a quality tight end group.
The Eagles are always talented, but oftentimes they are a bit Jekyll and Hyde. This might continue this year as Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni are still in town. Their defense is still elite, especially along the line and in the secondary. Saquon Barkley is not exactly in his prime, but Tank Bigsby was added as depth. DeVonta Smith combines with the other pass catchers to make a deep and versatile group. Any time a player of AJ Brown’s caliber leaves your team, however, there is bound to be some growing pains.
Final: Eagles 24 – Panthers 13
Week 7: vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A couple notorious Panthers killers are no longer in Tampa Bay as Lavonte David retired and Mike Evans and Rachaad White left in free agency. They did add quite a bit to their defense, though, signing veterans Alex Anzalone and A’Shawn Robinson. They also drafted Rueben Bain and Josiah Trotter. Baker Mayfield and the coaching staff is mostly intact from last year, though they do have yet another new offensive coordinator. Todd Bowles is undoubtedly on the hot seat, however.
The Bucs do still have some talent, including Vita Vea plugging up the middle with Calijah Kancey. Ted Hurst was drafted in the third round to help replace the loss of Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin should be back healthy this season after missing a good chunk of last year.
Final: Panthers 28 – Buccaneers 20
Week 8: @ Green Bay Packers (TNF)
The Panthers second prime time game of the year is a Thursday night game at Lambeau. Luckily it’s early enough in the season that the weather should not be too bad. The Packers lost a couple wide receivers in Romeo Doubbs and Dontayvion Wicks. Rashan Gary was traded this offseason, largely because the team hopes Micah Parsons will be back and fully healthy at some point this season. Jordan Love is still the man under center, but they also added Tyrod Taylor as a fully capable backup.
The team largely revolves around Love and that dynamic offense. Christian Watson is joined by second year receiver Matthew Golden, free agent Skyy Moore in the receiver room. A relatively weak secondary was addressed in the draft by taking Brandon Cisse and in free agency by signing Benjamin St-Juste. The depth at edge is also a bit of a weakness, especially with Parsons coming back from a torn ACL. The Packers are also going through some transitions on the offensive line, which could cause some issues. Starting left tackle Rasheed Walker left for the Panthers and Elgton Jenkins left in free agency as well.
Final: Packers 27 – Panthers 23
Week 9: vs Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos surprised a lot of people last year, ripping off a 14-3 record largely led by their elite defense. To help on offense, the team added Jaylen Waddle and JK Dobbins. Bo Nix is still under center, and old nemesis Sean Payton and his permanent duck face is still the head coach. The team also still has a very good offensive line together, which will be important with Nix coming off a major ankle injury. The Broncos did not have a pick this year until the third round, so an influx of big name young players did not happen.
The Broncos still have possibly the best defense in the league, especially in the secondary. Pat Surtain II is about as good as it gets at corner (along with Jaycee Horn). The additions made on offense should make that group more reliable and explosive, though Bo Nix could experience a regression especially coming off an injury. Overall, the Broncos are a very talented roster, and their 14-3 record wasn’t much of a fluke.
Final: Panthers 23 – Broncos 20
