Here are three reasons why having no preseason games in 2020 is an absolute disaster for the Carolina Panthers.
The Carolina Panthers will be going into the season without the benefit of preseason games. As part of a vastly changed program due to the current climate, the NFL has now agreed to meet the NFLPA’s demands and teams are not going to see the field in a competitive setting until week one.
This has the ability to impact the Carolina Panthers more than most. They are working with a completely new set-up after wholesale changes during the offseason. And new head coach Matt Rhule has already suffered an unprecedented amount of disruption during his first few months in the role.
Every team is going through the same thing. And they will at least get some time together during training camp to hone their skills. This might be the last we see of preseason games due to player reluctance in the past. So this is something that the Panthers and others will have to adjust to going forward.
Players on the roster bubble and undrafted free agents looking to make their way in the NFL stand to lose the most. Preseason games are a crucial part of them making a statement in pursuit of a spot within the organization. And this puts the onus on them to catch the eye at camp.
Having no preseason fixtures is nothing short of a disaster for the Panthers, even though it is probably the safest measure at the present time. The NFL is remaining steadfast regarding their pursuit of starting the campaign on time. And here are three reasons why it could have a detrimental impact in Carolina.
Carolina Panthers Reason No. 1: Team chemistry
The Carolina Panthers worked hard to make some bold moves throughout their roster this offseason. This is normally expected during the first year of a rebuild this substantial. But the lack of preseason games has left their chances of becoming a cohesive unit from the word go in tatters.
Players will be up to speed on the theoretical aspect of what is expected of them. But there is no substitute for getting out on the field and building relationships with your teammates. And this is further strengthened by preseason fixtures.
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Not having this in 2020 will be a major disruption to the Panthers. And it is essential they make every training camp session count in order to give them the best possible chance of surprising those who have already written them off.
That is going to be easier said than done. And what sort of chemistry can be attained in a practice setting is still unknown.
This is another hurdle that Carolina’s young roster will need to overcome. Many are coming into the season with a point to prove. And some are also fighting for their long-term futures with the franchise.
Having this sort of pressure going in is bad enough. And no preseason games could have significant ramifications on their ability to secure a winning record in 2020.
Other teams across the NFC South have far more familiarity and should be able to hit the ground running. The Panthers were already fighting a losing battle next season. And this predicament will not do their chances any good whatsoever.
Carolina Panthers Reason No. 2: The new coaching staff
If the Carolina Panthers have some inexperience from a playing perspective. Then this is also more than evident with their new coaching staff.
Head coach Matt Rhule is getting his first shot in an NFL environment after acquiring an impressive reputation of building struggling college programs back to prominence. But it has been a difficult transition that will not be aided by no preseason games to call upon.
This is something that Rhule would have been using to get a good look at his roster, to implement his scheme, and to see exactly the sort of characters he is working with. But the former Baylor man will now have only training camp to finalize his plans.
The same applies to offensive coordinator Joe Brady and defensive guru Phil Snow, although the latter has enough experience to ensure it shouldn’t be too much of a factor. Both men are bringing with them a different style of play. And it is probably going to take some time before Carolina’s fanbase sees any notable change thanks to no preseason games.
Rhule and his coaching staff are going to find out the hard way just what a different environment the NFL actually is. One thing they do have going for them is their relative lack of expectations in 2020. And this is giving him a free pass of sorts ahead of another crucial offseason period next spring.
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.