Panthers schedule: The dubious distinction awaiting Carolina in 2020
By Dean Jones
The NFL MVPs on the Panthers’ schedule
The Panthers schedule has an added sense of intrigue given the presence of Tom Brady at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carolina will contest the former New England Patriot’s home debut with the franchise in what promises to be a memorable occasion for all involved.
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While Brady might be well past his best, he is a two-time MVP winner and has six rings. He also possesses some formidable weapons around him and must be given the utmost respect in weeks 2 and 2010.
Another with two MVP awards that will face the Panthers next season is Aaron Rodgers. The Green Bay Packers’ gunslinger has some real pressure on his shoulders heading into 2020 thanks to the team drafting highly-touted quarterback Jordan Love in the first round.
This is a similar situation in which Rodgers arrived in Green Bay when Brett Favre was the No. 1. It will be up to him to ensure a similar fate does not befall him and this could spell trouble for opposing defenses when competitive action gets underway.
Another MVP on the Panthers schedule is the Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons, who won the award in 2016. Things have not gone according to plan for the player or the organization since then and it remains to be seen whether they can turn things around next season.
Ryan faces a pivotal year despite signing a contract worth $100 million guaranteed last summer. The Falcons do have an out regarding his deal in 2022. And if the player does not perform up to expectations with a talented offense. It might leave the organization looking for a contingency plan.
Rounding off the NFL MVPs on the Panthers schedule is the sensational Patrick Mahomes. In his two years as a starter, the Kansas City Chiefs signal-caller won league’s highest individual prize in 2018 before returning from injury to lead his side to a Super Bowl triumph last season.
This daunting trip to Arrowhead Stadium for the Panthers will take place in week 9. Mahomes will no doubt be in relentless mood by then and that can only spell trouble for Carolina and the rest of the NFL.