Panthers season hinges on first two weeks

Carolina Panthers fans won’t have to wait long before seeing how this season will unfold…

Every NFL game carries equal value over the course of an entire season, Carolina Panthers included. Sure, there are divisional rivalries that factor into the standings because teams play one another twice and one participant is guaranteed a loss or potential tie at the very least but it still counts as a single win, loss or tie.

Games occurring late in the year may have more meaning with playoff berths or seeding on the line but the value remains equal – a win, loss or tie. Teams can rally, some have won 14 straight including Carolina during the 2015 regular season, but a bad start hurts the playoff chances for everyone.

Since 2007 only 10 of 92 teams have turned an 0-2 start into a playoff appearance. New Orleans became the latest last year after a win over Carolina catapulted them to eight consecutive victories on way to the divisional championship.

Unfortunately for the Panthers they face two of their toughest games, Dallas at home before traveling to Atlanta over the first two weeks and they’ll be without a few key players. Injuries have decimated the offensive line and although they have performed well in preseason action, lining up against a first-team defense over four full quarters is worrisome.

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Both early opponents ranked in the top half of the league for sacks last season, the Falcons reached Newton three times in two games. Lining up opposite a makeshift unit for Carolina, the results may be worse this season.

Defensively, the Panthers will also be without captain and linebacker Thomas Davis. Although his absence may not have quite the impact as multiple starters across the offensive line, his leadership cannot be replaced and Davis will not be allowed to attend the games in any capacity after being suspended for a failed drug test earlier in the offseason.

Opening at home for the first time since 2013 will benefit Carolina but a loss means a visit to Atlanta one week later looms even larger. Bouncing back will be critical against a tough divisional opponent in what is expected to be another tight race for the championship.

If the Panthers lose both, there season may be over.

However, it wouldn’t be unfamiliar territory. Coach Ron Rivera and the Panthers were 0-2 to begin 2013 after a season opening loss to Seattle was followed by a one-point defeat in Buffalo. Then they became one of those 10 teams to rebound and make the playoffs, winning 11 of their last 12, and the division.

The reason, every game counts the same – you win, lose or tie.