Panthers 2018 preseason schedule announced

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Greg Olsen #88 celebrates with teammate Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers after a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Greg Olsen #88 celebrates with teammate Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers after a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers have an exciting slate of preseason games….

The National Football League preseason schedules came out Wednesday, meaning we are one step closer to football. For the Carolina Panthers, their preseason schedule came out as well with four games in total marking the start of a new season.  Times are to be determined.

Week 1- at Buffalo Bills

Week 2- vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 3- vs. New England Patriots

/ at Pittsburgh Steelers

For the Carolina Panthers, this is an exciting group of preseason games. In particular, the game to pay attention to would be the one against the New England Patriots.

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The third preseason game is traditionally the one where the starters receive the most playing time. Particularly for the Panther defense, this game will be a challenge as stopping Tom Brady is never easy. A game like this one will benefit the linebackers and corners the most as the Patriots’ passing attack is sure to present a challenge.

As Brian Strickland of Panthers.com notes, this is exactly the same preseason schedule as the one the Panthers had in 2015. That season culminated with a trip to the Super Bowl, so this schedule may indeed be a good omen.

Although preseason game do not exactly excite people, Panthers fans should pay attention this year. It will give them a chance to see what the new offense looks like under Norv Turner. My guess is that it is going to be more open. That should give Cam Newton more opportunities to throw the football and show off his skills as a pocket passer.

Next: Panthers offseason roster review: Special Teams

At the very least, this schedule means the Panthers will be busy. This is not a cupcake slate of games and should prepare the Panthers for the rigorous competition of the 2018 season. It is sure to be a fun one, and the Panthers figure to be right in the middle of all the action.