Wednesday, April 18, 2012

2 good things and 2 bad things about Panther schedule

I generally like the Panthers' 2012 schedule, which features two prime-time games (a Thursday nighter and a Monday nighter) and a bunch of glamorous games since they have rotated into playing the NFC East this season. You can find the full schedule here, but here are a couple of good and bad things about the schedule in my view.

2 GOOD THINGS

1) The Panthers have a realistic chance at starting 2-0. They won't have an easier road game all season than Tampa Bay, which is their opener. Carolina beat the woeful Bucs twice last season. And then they will get the depleted New Orleans Saints in Charlotte. It stands to reason that -- although "BountyGate" suspensions for Saints players haven't been announced -- at least a few of the Saints' key defenders will be suspended for that game. The Saints will still be feeling their way with Sean Payton out for the season.

2) There are some wins to be had before Christmas in December, when the playoff picture comes into focus. Carolina plays five games in December, and the first four (at Kansas City, home vs. Atlanta, at San Diego and home vs. Oakland) will be tough but not a murderer's row.

2 BAD THINGS

1) Games 3-7. When you went 6-10, it stands to reason that a lot of teams were better than you a year ago. But the Panthers face five of them in a row fairly early in the season, starting with that prime-time game at home against the New York Giants Sept.20 and ending with a road game at Chicago Oct.28. In between is a road game against Atlanta and home games vs. Seattle and Dallas. No Tampa Bays in that bunch -- all of them were better than 6-10 a year ago.

2) Closing at New Orleans. If the Panthers are going to make the playoffs, they better qualify during the first 15 weeks. I don't like their chances going into the Superdome in the final week of the season (Dec.30th), playing in one of the loudest atmospheres in America against a Saints team that should be full strength and rolling on offense as usual behind Drew Brees.

17 comments:

QDog's dad said...

8-8.

Contrary to what you write, the Panthers are still two years away from being ready. God help us if Smitty, Cam, or Foster gets hurt. If any of those get beat up, we may be looking at another 5 win season.

Oh well, nothing new for a team who has neve had back to back winning seasons.

Pussycats.

Mike P said...

Foster? When did he make a comeback?

Anonymous said...

Are you referring to Deshaun Foster? I think we'll be OK if he gets hurt considering he hasn't been on the Panthers roster for 5 years.

Anonymous said...

Q Dogs dad is a moron...Foster? Can't even name a running back on our team...surprised you can even read...Panthers 10-6...beating the Cowgirls and G-Men...Lol

Anonymous said...

Foster? LOL. Panthers will do fine. Just need to keep tightening the Defense.

Anonymous said...

who know who is going to be good lose a couple players

Anonymous said...

8-8 at the best.

Anonymous said...

Foster?????

Anonymous said...

Maybe Qdog meant Barry Foster?!?!?!

Anonymous said...

I feel that much dumber by reading Q Dog's Dad's comment. 11-5 and we win the division. Ron Rivera will supersize his defense this offseason (for a lack of better words). And they'll be playoff ready well before the playoffs start.

Deshaun Foster said...

Oh man!? they want me back! Good bye McDonalds uniform!

Anonymous said...

HAHA. I think this guy destroyed his credibility on his own without us having to tell him.

FOSTER? lol. This guy clearly is clueless. Probably still thinks Wesley Walls is the starting tight end.

Anonymous said...

Scott,

Your pose in the pic is just wonderful!

Anonymous said...

I think QDog meant Davis, Stephen Davis. We need to pray Davis doesn't get hurt, I mean, did you guys see his '03 season.... Sick!

Anonymous said...

Thank goodness we have a dynamite secondary in Chad Cota, Eric Davis, Ken Lucas and Mike Minter back this year! With Mark Carrier at WR, we're stacked.

Anonymous said...

My first impression being a Panthers fan living in Colorado is that they really don't travel west until December to Kansas and later to San Diego. Which sucks for me but could be a small benefit to the team for Away games

Anonymous said...

I think that with Kerry Collins throwing we should be ok. As long as Biakabatuka has a good season. I just hope that Kevin Greene can anchor our defense this year.