The Carolina Panthers will find out their 2020 schedule next week, with the NFL proceeding with the current timeline despite the coronavirus pandemic.
It is an uncertain time for everybody right now thanks to the social distancing measures relating to Covid-19. However, there will be some good Carolina Panthers news next week as the NFL still plans to release its schedule.
The league office is still working towards its original start date of September 10 as it stands. This could possibly change in the future during what is an ever-changing situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
League spokesman Brian McCarthy told ESPN that the NFL plans to “start on time”, with the organization also announcing details of the preseason schedule and Hall of Fame game next week.
"“If we have to make adjustments, we will be prepared to do so based on the latest guidance from our medical experts and public health officials and current and future government regulations. We made adjustments and conducted safely and efficiently key offseason activities such as free agency, the virtual off-season program and the 2020 NFL Draft.”"
One thing that is making it increasingly difficult for the Panthers and other NFL teams is their lack of face-to-face time. OTAs are currently being held in virtual form and it remains to be seen whether training camps can get underway on time.
Any delay in the camp would represent a significant blow to the Panthers, who have a wealth of fresh faces to blend in after a flurry of free agency activity. Although health must be of paramount importance when making any decisions, any shortened offseason program would give their slim chances of making an impact no good at all.
Panthers News: What Carolina can expect from 2020 schedule
Things are not going to be easy in 2020 for the Carolina Panthers. Their schedule is littered with tough challenges and things have not been made any easier by the expected strength of the NFC South.
The New Orleans Saints have gone all-in during what is set to be Drew Brees’ final season before retirement. The same can be said for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who pulled off the free-agent signing of Tom Brady and coaxed prolific tight end Rob Gronkowski out of retirement in a blockbuster trade with the New England Patriots.
Nobody quite knows what to expect from the Atlanta Falcons next season. They still boast a scary-looking offense. But their defense has plenty of young blood that will need time to adjust to the rigors of NFL life.
Home games will be crucial to the Panthers’ fortunes in 2020. In addition to their divisional matchups, they will also welcome the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, and Las Vegas Raiders in what looks like a pretty favorable schedule on paper.
One would expect this is where the majority of their wins will come from. But things look far more challenging on the road with a series of daunting fixtures.
The Panthers news regarding the schedule will be hoping these away games are well spaced out. Carolina is set to clash with the Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Minnesota Vikings on the road. They will also do battle with former head coach Ron Rivera at the Washington Redskins.
Next season could well be a long one for the Panthers’ fanbase. But this is something they are only too aware of. This is a team in the early stages of a rebuild and any success they achieved will be a bonus.