The Carolina Panthers start the 2021 season against the New York Jets. Sam Darnold gets to play his old organization right away. That game takes place Sunday, Sept. 12, at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.
Also in September, the Panthers open up division play against the new look New Orleans Saint. on the 19th. For the first time in fifteen year, the Saints will be without Drew Brees. In Week 3, the Panther will travel to Houston to take on the Texans who will be without Deshaun Watson due to his trade demands and pending legal troubles.
In Week 4, Carolina will go to Dallas to play the Cowboys. Sam Darnold will get to take on their new look defense. In Week 5, they will take on the Eagles who are trying to see if they fully believe in Jalen Hurts. On October 17th, Week 6, the Panthers will clash against the Vikings, who are going into the season trying to determine if they want to move forward with Kirk Cousins. Week 7 the Panthers play the improved New York Giants, who got better in free agency and the draft. They gave Daniel Jones a lot of new weapons and improved their defense. On Halloween, the Panthers will take on the scary offense featuring new rookie TE Kyle Pitts.
November, Week 9, starts off with Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Even though their quarterback situation is undecided, they spent the most money in free agency in the Belichich era. The two QBs’ that are fighting for the starting spot are Cam Newton and Mac Jones. Week 10, the Panthers go on the road to face the Cardinals who acquired the services of J.J. Watt during the off-season and gave Kyler Murray a few new weapons. In Week 11, the Panthers will face the Washington Football Team who have a new QB, Ryan Fitzpatrick. In Week 12, the Panther travel to play the Miami Dolphins who are looking to see if they can develop Tua Tagovailoa.
December 5th, Week 13, the Panthers have a Bye. Week 14, the Panthers play a division game against the Atlanta Falcons. The defense will have to stop Matt Ryan. Week 15, the Panthers take on the Buffalo Bills. They will have to try to contain the dynamic duo of Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs. Week 16, the Panthers are at home against the defending champions Tom Brady and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
January starts off Week 17 and the Panthers will be taking on the New Orleans Saints. On January 9th, Week 18, the Panthers will close out the regular season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It will be difficult to stop all their weapons on both sides of the field.
The Carolina Panthers have a lot of promising talent, but their schedule is extremely tough, especially with their divisional opponents. Hope they have a great Year Two with their coaching staff.
