Panthers: 3 reasons why no preseason games is a disaster

Carolina Panthers Reason No. 3: New starters getting thrown to the wolves

There are plenty of players who will be given prominent starting roles with the Carolina Panthers for the first time in 2020. And not having a preseason to acclimatize to their increased responsibilities is going to be a problem.

It will be a case of sink or swim for most of them. Players like cornerback Donte Jackson have previous experience in a starting role. But others on the roster will need time they don’t have to blend in.

The Panthers got rid of most of their established veterans this offseason. While this might increase their prospects of becoming a contender in the future. The current climate dictates that things might get worse before they get better in Carolina.

Throwing players to the wolves, so to speak, is something that the Panthers could do without. But the simple fact is the organization doesn’t have much of an alternative.

This will be especially evident with those entering their rookie seasons that are expected to start right away. The likes of No. 7 overall pick Derrick Brown and Jeremy Chinn have plenty of expectations on their shoulders. But not having preseason games to find their feet leaves plenty of uncertainty about their ability to immediately contribute.

It is yet another fascinating element to a 2020 season that could go either way for the Panthers. Players and coaches alike will need to adjust, take on the challenge, and dig deep to give them the best possible chance of success.