The Carolina Panthers open up a new season with renewed hope and high expectations for what feels like the first time in a long time. And if this fresh regime wants to get off to a winning start, there are many matchups that need to be locked down.
Here are four of those key matchups to keep an eye on:
Buy Panthers TicketsPanthers OLB Brian Burns vs. his potential holdout
From hiring their dream head coach to securing their franchise quarterback, it’s been smooth sailing for the Panthers nearly all offseason. But now, they’ve hit a bit of a wave in Burns’ contract situation.
With no long-term, big-money agreement in place, it may be safe to say that the two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher isn’t entirely content. And although he hasn’t expressed that he’s planning on holding out at some point, his status for Sunday still seems unclear.
Burns is unquestionably one of the best players on this Carolina roster, and his importance to the defense cannot be understated. Without him in the lineup for the season opener, this new Ejiro Evero unit could prove to be underwhelming off the bat.
Panthers QB Bryce Young vs. Falcons DL
If there is one thing worth losing sleep over in this game, it’s the possibility of Carolina’s offensive line carrying over their sluggish preseason against a stacked Falcons trench. Along with two-time Pro Bowler Grady Jarrett, Atlanta has added David Onyemata and the 6-foot-8 Calais Campbell, who can present quite a few problems in Bryce Young’s throwing lanes.
If this defensive line can create the kind of disruption they are fully capable of, Young could be in for a really long and painful day.
Panthers DL vs. Falcons RB Bijan Robinson
It’s no secret that the Falcons will look to run the rock this season. With heavy investments in their offensive line and the addition of 2023’s eighth overall pick in Robinson to an already solid backfield, this offense is built to grind games out through the ground.
Carolina’s new 3-4 defensive look should help anchor the run, though there are some questions about the depth upfront. This newly-formed line will need to close up holes quickly and clear lanes for their athletic linebackers to plug up the Falcons’ attack.
Panthers DC Ejiro Evero vs. Falcons QB Desmond Ridder
One of the biggest names on Carolina’s new all-star coaching staff is Evero, who spent 2022 guiding a strong Denver Broncos defense. And for his first outing in his new digs, he’ll be tasked with putting pressure on the sophomore passer in Ridder—who has shown the propensity to struggle when the game is on his shoulders.
If Evero can come in and shut off this Atlanta running game, he will have all afternoon long to throw disguises and blitzes at the young signal caller. That could lead to the inevitable turnovers for this stacked Carolina defense.
