What Panthers can expect from their 3 preseason opponents in 2021
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers vs. Baltimore Ravens
The second week of preseason is usually the most important. This will be especially prevalent for the Carolina Panthers as they look to familiarise themselves with the new artificial surface at Bank of America Stadium, which could do more harm than good if the roster isn’t ready for it.
It might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
But the little differences like this could make a big impact for good or bad.
Carolina will take on the Baltimore Ravens on the rejuvenated turf, which should be another stern test of their credentials. This is an organization that appears right on the cusp of something special, with quarterback Lamar Jackson looking to put the sort of numbers together in pursuit of a megabucks deal next year.
The offseason acquisitions of Sammy Watkins and first-round pick Rashod Bateman should help Jackson in the passing game. They have one of the league’s more reliable tight ends in Mark Andrews and a running back in J.K. Dobbins who could be set for a breakout year in 2021.
Baltimore’s defense is rock solid right across the board. They play fast, physically, and take every advantage of hesitancy, something the Panthers can ill-afford to show in this one if they want to take momentum into their final game before Week 1.