What’s up, Panthers fans? We’ve been through the dog days of August (Spartanburg would have been warmer) and three mostly meaningless preseason games, but Week 1 has arrived. It seemed like an opportune time to thank you all for reading.
As Bryce Young and Dave Canales get ready to kick things off in New Orleans, The Athletics again have you covered with all things Panthers. I’ll be in the Superdome to see how Young looks in his first game in Canales’ QB-friendly offense, lining up behind an improved offensive line and throwing to several new receivers/tight ends. It will also be interesting to see if someone steps in to fill the holes on defense at edge rusher (against Jadeveon Clowney) and cornerback (against Jaycee Horn). And while this looks like a rebuilding (or “retooling” year, as Dan Morgan called it), it’s worth wondering if David Tepper has the patience for it.
When you want to go past the Panthers, The Athletics will still have you covered. Get The Pulse delivered to your inbox for quick, fun reading about the biggest stories in the NFL and all of sports. Check the app daily – available on iOS and Google – to get personalized news about the teams that matter most to you. And deep into the NFL with Scoop City as insider Dianna Russini and our NFL reporters bring you the inside scoop.
An NFL season is 18 weeks of amazing athleticism and great theater, and it’s my privilege to try to capture it in what I hope is a compelling and thoughtful story. Thanks again for coming along for the ride.
Week 1: at Saints, Sunday, 1:oo pm ET (FOX)
Here are some stories to get you ready for the season:
Must-reads on Panthers:
What I see: Scheming Diontae Johnson open, more observations
The Panthers traded for Johnson to give Bryce Young a dynamic playmaker. Dave Canales is working on ways to get him the ball.
Panthers rely on Year 2 bump for Bryce Young
After giving up a lot to get the No. 1 pick, the Panthers need to see evidence this season that Young is the long-term answer.
Facing his demons saved Dave Canales’ marriage – and turned him into an ‘optimistic bully’
The healing process the future QB whisperer underwent after admitting infidelity to his wife changed his outlook on life — and football.
Bad, tough and nasty: Panthers followed Saints model in remodeling their O-line
The Panthers added big guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis this offseason and hope it leads to more success for Bryce Young.
Don’t call it a rebuild: 4 thoughts on waiver claims and Panthers restructuring
The Panthers exploited their waiver-claim position, grabbing six players with a focus on big corners and an eye on edge rushers.
Panthers 53-man roster: Where the biggest needs remain
The Panthers’ starting roster is thin at outside linebacker and they could be in the market for another corner and possibly a tight end.
Bank of America Stadium guide
(Chris Unger, Ryan Kang, Kevin C. Cox, Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
NFL rankings and insights:
Week 1 Power Rankings
It’s time for a vibration check for every team entering the season.
Quarterback Tiers 2024: Only 2 join Mahomes in Tier 1
Aaron Rodgers missed Tier 1 for the first time in the 11th annual survey of 50 NFL coaches and executives. His successor in Green Bay increased.
Like NFL GMs, coaches really feel about the new kickoff rule
More comebacks? Fewer injuries? The NFL thinks so, but even after seeing the preseason, some coaches and GMs still aren’t sold.
NFL agents dish on best (and worst) franchise, Mahomes’ worth and Dak’s upcoming deal
In our sixth annual agent survey, reps offered thoughts on everything from QB contracts to top talent evaluators to ways to improve the NFL.
Intel on all 32 NFL teams, Russ skepticism, Davante Adams trade talk and more
Dozens of NFL executives and coaches are thinking about how the 2024 season will unfold for each team.
Ten bold predictions: Packers win NFC North, but Caleb Williams for MVP?
Plus: Kyler Murray explodes, the 49ers suffer a Super Bowl hangover and Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs make history (again).
Hope-O-Meter results: fan rating optimism for all 32 teams
Optimism in the NFL tends to be closely tied to a team’s starting quarterback. So which fanbases are most optimistic in 2024?
Win total projections | Week 1 schedule
(Photo by Bryce Young: Jim Dedmon / USA Today)
