A year after being saddled with the toughest schedule in the NFL, the Carolina Panthers now face the challenge of taking on many of the league's greatest franchises of all time.
In some cases, such as the Oakland Raiders, the teams' histories exceed their recent performances. But for fans to see the Raiders, Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys visit Bank of America Stadium is an exciting consideration.
Then toss in road games against two of the oldest and most historic franchises – Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins – and a visit by the historic and defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants, and this might be the most appealing schedule in Carolina's 17-years of existence.
The 13 different teams on Carolina's slate have combined to win 21 Super Bowls, and overall, they have made 40 Super Bowl appearances.
More important, though, is how the schedule affects the current Carolina club.
Several things stand out: The Panthers will open and close the season on the road for a second consecutive season; three of the Panthers' first four games are against fellow NFC South foes; four of the final six contests are away from home; and three December games are against teams from the AFC West.
The Panthers open the season at Tampa Bay in a 4:15 kickoff. A year ago, the opener was the only non-1 p.m. kick. Five games will start later this season.
Carolina returns home the following week to host the New Orleans Saints followed by a visit from the New York Giants just four days later on a Thursday night. A trip to Atlanta closes out the first month.
So right out of the gate, the Panthers could make or break their season before October. Three intense division games and Eli Manning and the Giants in prime time is quite the challenge. The Panthers closed last season strong, winning five of their last seven games, but if that doesn't carry over, the team could be chasing for the final three months of the season.
On the other hand, the opportunity September presents significantly elevates the appeal of the schedule. Playing high-profile teams is always good for a growing franchise, and will do wonders for publicity. Cam Newton has advanced the Panthers in that respect, now he and the team can take it to another level with this schedule.
Carolina's bye week is Sunday, Oct. 14 and its first Monday night game since beating the Cowboys in week three of the 2009 season is Nov. 26 at the Philadelphia Eagles. Interestingly, the Panthers will also visit each of the three teams head coach Ron Rivera has worked for in the Bears, Chargers and Eagles.
A few other notes about the schedule:
•The second, third and fourth games are against teams that participated in last season's playoffs.
•Newton vs. RGIII? If the Washington Redskins select Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick in next week's NFL draft that game could pit the last two Heisman Trophy winners – Cam Newton vs. Griffin – and a pair of signal callers some observers believe may change the game.
•In a 52-day span, the Manning brothers – Eli and Peyton – will visit Bank of America Stadium. Eli and the Giants on Sept. 20 and Peyton and the Broncos on Nov. 11.
•Incidentally, when Peyton Manning visits, so will former Panthers coach John Fox. Fox led the franchise for nine seasons and its only Super Bowl appearance, but was fired following the 2010 campaign and hired immediately by the Broncos.
•The Dec. 2 at Kansas City will end the longest active stretch of a team not visiting another. Carolina last played at Arrowhead Stadium in 2004.
•Carolina's preseason schedule: Aug. 11 versus Houston; Aug. 17 versus Miami; Aug. 26 at New York Jets; Aug. 30 at Pittsburgh.
•Regular season schedule: Sept. 9 at Tampa Bay; Sept. 16 New Orleans; Sept. 20 N.Y. Giants; Sept. 30 at Atlanta; Oct. 7 Seattle; Oct. 21 Dallas; Oct. 28 at Chicago; Nov. 4 at Washington; Nov. 11 Denver; Nov. 18 Tampa Bay; Nov. 26 at Philadelphia; Dec. 2 at Kansas City; Dec. 9 Atlanta; Dec. 16 at San Diego; Dec. 23 Oakland; Dec. 30 at New Orleans.
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