Panthers schedule: ESPN predicts improved record in 2020
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers schedule promises to be a wild ride for the team’s fanbase during the first year of a rebuild, but how many wins can they actually expect in 2020?
Things are not going to be easy for new head coach Matt Rhule if the Carolina Panthers schedule is any indication. That being said, this season will be all about performances and not results during their expected period of transition.
They find themselves in a tough NFL South division and won’t have much in the way of experience on their roster after a flurry of activity in free agency. While this might work in their favor in the coming years, it offers little in the way of hope in 2020.
David Newton, Panthers’ beat writer over at ESPN, is of the same belief regarding the team’s fortunes. In a recent article, he has the organization going 6-10 next season, which is a mirror-image of their record in 2019.
Norman had this to say when speaking on the Panthers schedule and their chances for immediate success.
"“The Panthers are in a rebuilding mode under new coach Matt Rhule, but they have enough weapons offensively with Christian McCaffrey & Co. to remain competitive. Specifically, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater gives them the edge at that position over the Redskins, Chargers, Raiders and Broncos. Opening at home against a Raiders team that also is in rebuilding mode with three straight losing seasons gives Rhule a chance to win his first NFL game and set the tone for a very young roster. They won’t face a team that had a winning record last season until a Week 7 matchup against the Saints.”"
Norman expects the Panthers schedule to get off on the right foot with a home win against the Las Vegas Raiders on opening weekend. Another triumph comes in week 4 at home to the Arizona Cardinals.
He has also penciled them in for an unlikely success against the Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium in Week 10, in addition to a victory over the Detroit Lions the following weekend.
The Panthers schedule will also conclude on a high note with wins against the Denver Broncos and at the Washington Redskins in weeks 14 and 16 respectively.