An in-depth look at the non-divisional home opponents of the Carolina Panthers for the 2018 season…
The Carolina Panthers recently completed an impressive 11-5 season with a playoff loss to divisional rival New Orleans. After losing twice during the regular season to the Saints, Carolina failed to win their sixth divisional championship with a Week 17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Despite their shortcomings, the Panthers earned a wild card berth but couldn’t advance and now have begun preparations for next season. Already announcing the dismissal of offensive coordinator Mike Shula and quarterback coach Ken Dorsey, changes are on the horizon for Carolina throughout one of the most important offseasons in franchise history.
One coordinator has been replaced and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks could follow if he lands a head coaching position elsewhere in the league. Two new coordinators, coupled with finalizing a permanent general manager role in addition to a new owner means the Panthers could look a lot different next season.
These teams will be visiting Bank of America Stadium in the fall, unless the NFL were to schedule one of these games for their annual International Series.
Cincinnati Bengals
2017 RECORD: 7-9
OFFENSE: 32nd 280.5 YPG • 26th 18.1 PPG
DEFENSE: 18th 339.1 YPG • 16th 21.8 PPG
ALL-TIME RECORD: 2-2-1
LAST MEETING: 10/12/2014, TIE 37-37
The last time these two teams faced off it led to the only tie in Panthers franchise history. At 3-2-1, Carolina would lose their next six games but rally with four consecutive wins to make the playoffs by virtue of the tied game at Cincinnati.
Dallas Cowboys
2017 RECORD: 9-7
OFFENSE: 14th 331.9 YPG • 14th 22.1 PPG
DEFENSE: 8th 318.1 YPG • 13th 20.8 PPG
ALL-TIME RECORD: 4-9
LAST MEETING: 11/26/2015, WIN 33-14
Carolina and Dallas met on Thanksgiving in 2015 but it won’t happen this season as the Cowboys visit Bank of America Stadium for the first time in six years. The Panthers have struggled against Dallas winning just two of their seven home games.
The most notable an NFC wild card game in which coach Sam Mills coined the phrase, “Keep Pounding” one day prior leading to a legacy and mantra still employed today.
New York Giants
2017 RECORD: 3-13
OFFENSE: 21st 314.3 YPG • 31st 15.4 PPG
DEFENSE: 31st 373.2 YPG • 27th 24.3 PPG
ALL-TIME RECORD: 6-4
LAST MEETING: 12/20/2015, WIN 38-35
Former Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman is now in charge for the Giants as they complete the process of hiring a new coach for the upcoming season. Current defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has been interviewed and may be leading the team in a return to Charlotte much like Sean McDermott did with Buffalo this past year.
Baltimore Ravens
2017 RECORD: 9-7
OFFENSE: 27th 305.4 YPG • 9th 24.7 PPG
DEFENSE: 12th 325.1 YPG • 6th 18.9 PPG
ALL-TIME RECORD: 3-2
LAST MEETING: 09/28/2014, LOSS 38-10
The Panthers and Ravens rarely meet but their last encounter was one to forget for Carolina fans. Wide receiver Steve Smith, who had spent 13 seasons with the Panthers moved on to Baltimore after a falling out with upper management and promised, “blood and guts” should they meet again.
Smith had seven receptions for 139 yards and two touchdowns in the game and is fortunately now retired.
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Seattle Seahawks
2017 RECORD: 7-9
OFFENSE: 15th 330.4 YPG • 11th 22.9 PPG
DEFENSE: 11th 323.2 YPG • 13th 20.8 PPG
ALL-TIME RECORD: 4-8
LAST MEETING: 12/04/2016, LOSS 40-7
Both NFC franchises are experiencing a lot of turnover on their respective coaching staffs as these two renew their rivalry back in Charlotte. Meeting at least once every season for five straight years and two playoff games both Carolina and Seattle are extremely familiar with one another.
Next: 2018 Away Opponents Preview
None of the five non-divisional opponents who Carolina faces at home next year made the playoffs in 2017 but all are expected to be improved next year.