Panthers schedule: Week 13 bye is a big challenge for young roster

The Carolina Panthers schedule means the franchise does not have a bye until week 13, which represents a stiff test for their young core.

There is little doubt that the Carolina Panthers schedule is going to throw their young players in at the deep end. While a period of transition is expected, the team’s fanbase is going to find out plenty about their new-look roster in 2020.

They do not have a bye until week 13, which is going to be a significant strain on a roster that has rid itself of seasoned veterans and underperforming stars during the offseason. The Panthers’ schedule ending up this way is a real baptism of fire for the group and it is a challenge they must all grasp with both hands.

This is going to be especially evident on the defensive side of the ball. The Panthers made history in the 2020 NFL Draft by becoming the first team to ever use all their selections on defense. Although four or five are expected to play prominent roles early on. Getting used to physical impact in the pros can take some time and they will undoubtedly feel the effects of a week 13 bye more than most.

Keeping these players fresh is going to be crucial if the Panthers want to surprise those experts that have already written off their chances. This might involve bringing in a couple more seasoned veterans to take some of the pressure off and allow these young prospects to develop at their own pace.

The Panthers coaching staff is going to find out a lot about the roster they’ve put together in 2020. Whether they have made the right decisions during the first stages of a rebuild remains to be seen.