Carolina Panthers in good position entering bye week
The Carolina Panthers are 2-1 entering a Week 4 bye during the 2018 regular season.
Carolina Panthers fans had high expectations for the 2018 season that were soon quelled by the multiple injuries to their offensive line. Entering with a new franchise owner, new coordinators on offense, defense and special teams, in addition to losing an All-Pro offensive guard and trading away a former first-round pick, the questions surrounding this team were plenty.
Still, quarterback Cam Newton and coach Ron Rivera served as a stabilizing force amid the turmoil of the offseason and provided a sense of hope along with a stalwart defense expected to again be among the top in the league. Only three weeks into 2018, this year could still go south but the performance to this point suggest otherwise.
Carolina has endured numerous changes along the offensive front and the shifting of players has only proven the depth of this position. The Panthers began Week 1 with all but one projected starter despite preseason injuries but Week 3 began with just two of the original five as Chris Clark played left tackle, Greg Van Roten – left guard and Tyler Larsen – right guard. The good news – all went relatively unnoticed, which is the indication of a solid performance from the offensive line.
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The team has survived up front and finds themselves at 2-1 with a single divisional loss to the Atlanta Falcons. While this loss may be problematic in what is expected to be a tight divisional race, home wins over the Dallas Cowboys and previously unbeaten Cincinnati Bengals provide plenty of reasons for optimism considering the injuries, rookie contributions and absence of linebacker Thomas Davis.
Depth at safety became an issue last week but general manager Marty Hurney has already made a move – signing Eric Reid to a one-year contract, in an effort to shore up the back end of the Carolina defense.
An early bye week is typically viewed as a negative because the Panthers now play 13 consecutive weeks and more (hopefully) depending on the playoff situation. Winning the division may give them another bye over the wild card round but nothing is guaranteed.
Next. CAR vs. CIN - Week 3 Grades. dark
Overall, given the numerous changes and injuries Carolina has dealt with to this point, a 2-1 record provides plenty of reason to believe the Panthers are set to contend right now.