Carolina Panthers: 5 bold predictions vs Jets in Week 1

Here are some bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers as they face the New York Jets in Week 1 of the 2021 regular season.

The long-awaited 2021 regular season has finally arrived as the Panthers host the New York Jets in Week 1.

We didn’t see much of the starters for the Panthers during the preseason, so fans will be chomping at the bit to see what this new look 2021 Panthers roster looks like in live full-time action.

Week 1 is full of storylines for the Panthers, headlined by the Sam Darnold revenge game. But, don’t forget about Frankie Luvu. He spent the last three seasons in New York as well.

The expectation for this season is to build on a 5-11 2020 record with more wins and the help of an extra game. The additions of several playmakers in the off-season and through the draft have fans hoping for a taste of playoff football. Something Panther fans have been without since 2017.

So here are five bold predictions for the Panthers’ Week 1 tilt against the New York Jets.

Carolina Panthers Week 1 bold prediction No. 1: Cameron Erving gives up 0 sacks

The Panthers signed Cameron Erving on day one of the free agency period to a two-year, $10 million deal. From day one head coach Matt Rhule indicated Erving was signed to play left tackle.

One negative talking point for this Panthers team has been the play of their offensive line. Erving did not help those opinions early on in training camp as he struggled with footwork in his pass protection.

Though, in the two joint practices with the Colts and Ravens, Erving seemed to find his footing (no pun intended) against their starting defensive lines.

The Jets pass rush is more productive in the interior of the defensive line. Erving’s job was also made easier with the season-ending Achilles injury Jets defensive end Carl Lawson suffered in training camp.

I expect Erving to build on that end of training camp success with a clean Week 1.