Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as first-year pros descend on the facility today for the official start of their rookie minicamp experience?
It's starting to feel like football again after one of the more eventful off-seasons in Carolina Panthers franchise history. The NFL has officially released its schedule and the team's rookie minicamp gets underway today, so the excitement is there for all to see.
Among the stories making waves recently include what to expect at Carolina's rookie minicamp, the schedule release and another Panthers' masterpiece, Frank Reich's revenge game ranked, and Andy Dalton gives back to his alma mater.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Story No. 1
Carolina Panthers rookie minicamp is on deck
Bryce Young and other Carolina Panthers players get their first legitimate taste of NFL coaching over the next few days during the team's rookie minicamp. All eyes are on the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft for obvious reasons, but this is also an opportunity for those less heralded to make their mark before joining up with veterans at OTAs.
Young's arrival has brought about an extra sense of anticipation and interest among fans and analysts. Some rookies will have more responsibilities than others, but history dictates a surprise or two could emerge from obscurity and force their way into Carolina's plans.
It promises to be a fascinating minicamp for all involved. And after all the pre-draft stress and testing, getting back down to some football business will be sweet relief.
Carolina Panthers 2023 schedule release
Every NFL fan around the world was waiting with bated breath as the league formally released the 2023 season schedule. Leaks and rumors surfaced throughout the day, which saw the Carolina Panthers kick things off with two divisional games and a pair of nationally televised encounters on primetime throughout the campaign.
Despite wholesale changes across the board this offseason, there is a quiet belief that the Panthers can make some noise. Getting off to a fast start will be crucial, but this newfound optimism is far from the trepidation that clouded the franchise when Matt Rhule held absolute power.
For those who missed it, here is Carolina's full slate of fixtures in 2023:
- Week 1: at Falcons
- Week 2: vs. Saints (MNF)
- Week 3: at Seahawks
- Week 4: vs. Vikings
- Week 5: at Lions
- Week 6: at Dolphins
- Week 7: BYE
- Week 8: vs. Texans
- Week 9: vs. Colts
- Week 10: at Bears (TNF)
- Week 11: vs. Cowboys
- Week 12: at Titans
- Week 13: at Buccaneers
- Week 14: at Saints
- Week 15: vs. Falcons
- Week 16: vs. Packers
- Week 17: at Jaguars
- Week 18: vs. Buccaneers
The NFL's schedule release also represents a Super Bowl of sorts for social media teams. Videos announcing the games seem to be getting better every year, with the Panthers enlisting the help of some established roster figures for another masterpiece that drew widespread reviews along the way.
That's showbiz baby 🎠pic.twitter.com/ddga84X7BG
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 12, 2023
According to Nick Carboni of WCNC Charlotte, there was a general consensus among the aspiring screen performers that J.J. Jansen was the star
"I asked some of the Panthers who had the most Oscar potential after filming the schedule release video and it was unanimous: J.J. Jansen. He was apparently keeping long hours… Derrick Brown: "I was like…why are you still here?""Nick Carboni, WCNC Charlotte
Carolina will also play the New York Jets, New York Giants, and Detroit Lions during the preseason. Although how many top-level performers take the field remains to be seen given how joint practices have arguably become more important.
Frank Reich's revenge game with Carolina Panthers ranked
It isn't just players that look forward to revenge games around the NFL. Coaches also have this on their minds when coming up against old employers, which is an opportunity Frank Reich has in 2023 - his first as Carolina Panthers head coach.
Reich will clash with the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9, who fired him during the previous campaign. While the respected offensive mind is experienced enough to keep it all business, one could forgive him for having an added sense of urgency to attain success in this one.
Dallas Robinson of Pro Football Network ranked Reich's game against the Colts at No. 4 in his schedule revenge rankings. And make no mistake, the players will be doing everything in their power to ensure he comes away with bragging rights.
"NFL players aren’t the only people who might want vengeance during the 2022 campaign. Head coaches can feel slighted, too. Frank Reich was unfairly fired by the Colts after starting last season 3-5-1 and had to watch his role be taken by former Indy center Jeff Saturday, whose only coaching experience had come at the high school level. Reich is now in a better situation with the Panthers, but he might not be able to not hold a grudge against the Colts."Dallas Robinson, Pro Football Network
This also happens to be a winnable game for the Panthers at the halfway stage of their season. They should be relatively fresh with a Week 7 bye, but the Colts could be a different animal in 2023 thanks to Shane Steichen's arrival as head coach and their decision to draft Anthony Richardson, who could be an absolute superstar if he puts everything together.
Carolina Panthers QB Andy Dalton gives back
Andy Dalton is gearing up to play an important role for the Carolina Panthers in 2023. The veteran free-agent signing will start offseason workouts atop the quarterback depth chart, but his primary objective is to do everything possible to ensure Bryce Young acclimatizes well and is ready to rock by the time Week 1 rolls around.
This is a role Dalton's had before. He drew praise from Justin Fields for exceptional guidance when they were Chicago Bears teammates, which obviously played a role in the Panthers identifying him as a player of interest during free agency.
Dalton recently revealed via On3 that he plans to use the newly made myNILpay app in pursuit of assisting around 450 college prospects playing various sports at his alma mater, TCU. Something that is likely to make a significant difference across the board.
"I think it is wonderful that college athletes can take advantage of their name, image and likeness to make some money. When I learned about the myNILpay app and saw how easy it was to support any college athlete, it gave me an avenue to show my appreciation for every current athlete at TCU. I hope fans across the nation take advantage of this great app and support collegiate athletes of their choice."Andy Dalton via On3
Dalton has made $100.62 million throughout his career according to Spotrac, so it's nice to see him giving back in some capacity. This also speaks volumes about his character, which is going to benefit the Panthers and Young considerably throughout the summer and beyond.