Carolina Panthers pre-draft 2021 record and division projections

Carolina Panthers will go 0-2 against the Bucs

Let’s not kid ourselves, Tom Brady isn’t going anywhere this season. It is going to be another long campaign of him proving his pundits wrong and continuing to increase the gap between himself and whoever you believe is in second place behind him in the GOAT discussion.

Offensively the Carolina Panthers will have a chance to hang with Tampa Bay but when it comes time to win the Bucs check far too many boxes for them to steal a game this season.

At virtually every position the Bucs have the Panthers beat. The only clear advantage Matt Rhule can boast in this matchup is with running back Christian McCaffrey. Unless he is able to have a truly special game, they are going to lose both matchups to this solid Tampa roster.

Everything the Panthers do well, the Bucs are set up well to stop. Though a 1-3 division record thus far may seem a bit harsh, it is accurate when you look at the offensive talent level Carolina will face in both teams. Their one win will be based on a far superior defense compared to the mess in Atlanta.

Carolina Panthers will go 2-0 against the Saints

I’m projecting this team to finish .500 in their own division, winning out against the New Orleans Saints. They may have a very talented roster but I believe the Carolina Panthers to have the far superior quarterback no matter who Sean Payton starts.

Even with a failing arm Drew Brees was still great. The future Pro Football Hall of Famer demanded respect in the locker room and carried himself as a true professional. He also orchestrated Payton’s offense perfectly and had a great connection with receiver Michael Thomas.

I cannot see this team having a great deal of success with Jameis Winston or a utility player as their starting quarterback. Regardless of who is under center, Sam Darnold is a better option providing he makes the most out of a new opportunity.

Either quarterback starting for the Saints is likely going to give the Panthers an edge in the turnover battle. These two games are going to be tales of two very different teams. One on the rise behind a young core, and another heading in the wrong direction with their stalwart signal-caller moving on from football.

Predicting the Saints to be at the bottom of a division they have often ruled may not be a popular one. But I believe it is the reality they will find themselves in at the end of what will be a down year for New Orleans.