Breaking down the Panthers' next six games
Posted: Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/panthers/story/358526.html
The Panthers improved to 8-2 with their victory Sunday against Detroit – equaling the best start in franchise history. The schedule gets tougher in the season’s final six games, however, with no opponent under .500 remaining. In addition to three games against NFC South opponents, the Panthers’ non-division foes either lead or are tied for first in their divisions: Here’s a look at Carolina’s six stretch-drive games:
Sunday, at Atlanta (6-4): The Falcons are one of the league’s surprise teams, playing well with a rookie quarterback (Matt Ryan) and coach (Mike Smith). The Panthers won the teams’ first meeting 24-9 on Sept. 28 in Charlotte.
Nov. 30, at Green Bay (5-5): Even if Aaron Rodgers hasn’t made Packers fans forget about Brett Favre, he’s still playing well in his first year as a starter and has been among the league’s leading passers all season.
Dec. 8, Tampa Bay (7-3): The Panthers turned in their worst performance of the season against the Buccaneers in a 27-3 loss. This could turn into one of the biggest games in franchise history – for NFC South supremacy and on Monday night, to boot.
Dec. 14, Denver (6-4): Carolina’s secondary will need to be ready with Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler coming to town. Defensively challenged Denver leads the AFC West, a division that the Panthers are 3-0 against this season.
Dec. 21, at New York Giants (9-1): From this early vantage point, this game has all the appearances of one that might decide home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Dec. 28, at New Orleans (5-5): The Panthers close out the regular season in the Superdome against a Saints team they’ve already beaten 30-7. Will quarterback Drew Brees still be having an MVP-caliber season? – David Scott
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