Panthers keys to victory in Week 1

The Carolina Panthers start off 2018 with a win over Dallas, if…

Carolina Panthers fans have endured a turbulent offseason with top to bottom changes from the franchise. Gone is original founder and owner Jerry Richardson, although his statue remains, opening the door for David Tepper to take charge of the organization.

On the sidelines, coach Ron Rivera has new coordinators for every positional group – offense, defense and special teams. Other new coaches were also sprinkled into the mix as arrangements for the 2018 season began.

General manager Marty Hurney has attempted to fill vacancies created by the free agent departures of Andrew Norwell and Star Lotulelei along the offensive and defensive lines, respectively, while putting together what could be one of the best draft classes in a long time.

After months of speculation, preparation and exhibitions, Carolina host the Dallas Cowboys for Week 1 of the 2018 regular season. Kicking off at home for only the second time in eight seasons, excitement abounds.

Despite not being in the same division, a win would benefit either team in what is expected to be an extremely tight playoff race throughout the NFC as a whole. If the Panthers can do these three things, they should come away victorious.