Ranking the Carolina Panthers’ 2020 opponents by toughness
By Dean Jones
. . Detroit Lions. 12. team. 50.
Carolina Panthers’ schedule toughness: Detroit Lions (No. 12)
This year is a big one for the Detroit Lions and their head coach Matt Patricia. Their team started well in 2019 before tailing off dramatically. And they will need to show progress this time around to avoid their former New England Patriots’ defensive coordinator from falling into the hot seat.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford has some useful offensive weapons at his disposal. And the Lions also took a player with shutdown corner potential at No. 3 overall in Jeff Okudah.
There is little doubt that the Carolina Panthers will identify this as a game they can win. And they might be in short supply next season.
. . Atlanta Falcons. 11. team. 44.
Carolina Panthers’ schedule toughness: Atlanta Falcons (No. 11)
The NFC South is now full of quality teams that the Carolina Panthers come up against twice a season. But 2020 promises to be a crossroads one for the Atlanta Falcons.
They underachieved significantly last season, which was down in no small part to come disappointing defensive play. The team has bolstered this area prominently. But their fortunes will ultimately come down to how quarterback Matt Ryan performs.
He will have a better security blanket in the backfield following the arrival of running back Todd Gurley. And despite losing tight end Austin Hooper, the likes of Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley have the scope to be a devastating tandem that will give any team problems.
. Chicago Bears. 10. team. 57. .
Carolina Panthers’ schedule toughness: Chicago Bears (No. 10)
The Chicago Bears still boast an elite defense going into 2020. Established players such as Roquan Smith and Khalil Mack are at the top of their game and have the ability to wreak havoc on any given down.
The big question with the Bears is situated in their quarterback room. Mitchell Trubisky is on course to be one of the NFL’s biggest ever busts. And the fact Chicago took him ahead of Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson already seems incredible.
Nick Foles was brought in from the Jacksonville Jaguars to compete for the No. 1 spot. But it remains to be seen whether an increased sense of urgency will bring the best out of Trubisky.