Playing the Carolina Panthers comes at a cost.
As noted by John Breech of CBS Sports prior to Sunday’s action, teams in 2022 are winless in their first game after playing the Panthers. So, entering Week 9—it was seven up and seven down . . . seven or so days later.
Here are Carolina’s first seven opponents of the season and the result of their following contest:
- Cleveland Browns (Week 1): Lost 31-30 to the New York Jets in Week 2
- New York Giants (Week 2): Lost 23-16 to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3
- New Orleans Saints (Week 3): Lost 28-25 to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4
- Arizona Cardinals (Week 4): Lost 20-17 to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5
- San Francisco 49ers (Week 5): Lost 28-14 to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6
- Los Angeles Rams (Week 6): Lost 31-14 to the 49ers in Week 8 after a Week 7 bye
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Week 7): Lost 27-22 to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8
This weekend’s test was the Falcons, who topped the Panthers in a wacky overtime battle last Sunday. And, in their Week 9 tilt against the Los Angeles Chargers, they became the eighth victim of this crazy curse after a 20-17 defeat.
Next up, following their upcoming bye, are the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11. They’ll be facing the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first game following their 42-21 triumph over the Panthers.
