4 Panthers who could be X-factors against the Raiders
By Dean Jones
Which players on the Carolina Panthers might end up becoming X-factors during their Week 1 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders?
Excitement could not be higher, gameday is finally here. The Carolina Panthers are in their final stages of preparation before clashing with the Las Vegas Raiders in a pivotal Week 1 encounter that could set the tone for the 2020 season.
Not many thought we would get to this point and there might be a chance the campaign doesn’t conclude successfully due to COVID-19 health concerns. Either way, it is great to have Carolina Panthers football back in our lives and it promises to be an emotional rollercoaster for the team’s loyal fanbase once again.
The organization is unrecognizable from that which ended the 2019 season. Ron Rivera is now in Washington, Cam Newton is QB1 in New England, and perennial All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly will be watching from the sidelines in his new role as a pro scout in Carolina after announcing his shock retirement earlier this year.
This has left most with their fair share of displeasure and concern regarding the Panthers’ current direction. One can only speculate as to how they are going to perform on the field. But we won’t have to wait too much longer before we see this new-look roster on the gridiron.
The Raiders will fancy their chances of coming away from an empty Bank of America Stadium with an opening day win. Both teams appear to be well-matched on paper and it might come down to who adjusts better to a completely different gameday environment.
We picked out four Panthers players who could emerge as X-factors for the team in Week 1.