Can the Panthers Sweep the Weak NFC South?

Carolina is in a good position to make a lot of noise in what is considered to be a bad division.

Since the NFC South was formed in 2002, only one team has gone a perfect 6-0 in divisional play, the 2020 New Orleans Saints. However, there have been eleven occasions where a team went 5-1, four of which belong to the Carolina Panthers (2003, 2006, 2013, 2015).

Beating a divisional opponent twice in a season is a difficult task. They're very familiar with your personnel, coaching staff, tendencies, etc. But it can be done. Last season, Carolina swept the Saints and came very close to accomplishing the same feat against Tampa Bay and Atlanta. Their two divisional losses came by a combined nine points which is impressive considering the circumstances. 

As bad as the NFC South is expected to be in 2023, it might not be all that far-fetched to think Carolina could join the 2020 Saints as the only other team to go undefeated in divisional play. I'm not expecting them to and as a matter of fact, I actually have them dropping the season opener to Atlanta. But that doesn't mean they're incapable of proving me wrong and winning in Bryce Young's debut. 

The familiarity thing can be thrown out the window in regard to the Panthers this season. Frank Reich is in his first year on the job with almost a completely new staff, Bryce Young takes over at QB to go along with a brand new batch of skill players, and the defense will have a new look under Ejiro Evero in a 3-4 scheme.

Even with a rookie quarterback under center, the Panthers can make NFC South history. Reich has had the most success of any of the four head coaches in the division and the support of a strong run game and defense will take this team a long way.

Going 6-0 might be a bit of a stretch but if the Panthers can somehow steal a win in Week 1, 5-1 is certainly attainable given the roster stays healthy and Bryce Young has a successful transition to the NFL.

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