Ranking the Carolina Panthers’ 2020 opponents by toughness
By Dean Jones
Denver Broncos. 6. team. 45. . .
Carolina Panthers’ schedule toughness: Denver Broncos (No. 6)
The Denver Broncos have quietly built an impressive roster that is more than capable of reaching the postseason in 2020. If quarterback Drew Lock lives up to his billing, then they are going to be a team to watch without question.
Free-agent signing Melvin Gordon will be their every-down running back to take the pressure off their signal-caller. And their defense is another area of real strength led by their veteran All-Pro Von Miller.
The Carolina Panthers will have their work cut out trying to get anything out of their game against the Broncos. One thinks they are going to make some serious strides next time around if everything falls into place right away.
. Green Bay Packers. 5. team. 49. .
Carolina Panthers schedule toughness: Green Bay Packers (No. 5)
The Green Bay Packers might have got within one game of the Super Bowl last season. But things did not look in sync for the majority of the campaign.
Their run defense was exceptional, as was the pass-rushing aspect of the team. However, there were some cohesion issues between head coach Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers. And friction might be at an all-time high between the two after the organization opted no to give him a wide receiver from a strong draft class.
Instead, the Packers decided to use their first-round pick on quarterback Jordan Love. And this would indicate the future Pro Football Hall of Famer is living on borrowed time in Green Bay.
4. team. 48. . . . Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Carolina Panthers’ schedule toughness: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 4)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went from also-rans to legitimate Super Bowl contenders in one memorable offseason. Legendary quarterback Tom Brady has joined the fold. And he will be aided enormously after convincing tight end Rob Gronkowski to come out of retirement.
Brady is in the twilight of his career. So it remains to be seen whether he will encounter some sort of drop-off in production. He has arguably the NFL’s best wide receiver tandem to use in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Ronald Jones is also looking to get the majority of carries at running back.
The Bucs’ defense was surprisingly good in 2019. Shaquil Barrett’s arrival proved to be a masterstroke. And their front seven is full of players who can make a real difference.