Panthers Featured in 'Top 10 Best Games' on 2023 Schedule by SI

Carolina's first game of the year is going to be a dandy.

In recent years, a matchup between the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons wouldn't draw many eyes outside of the two fanbases. This year, that's not the case -- at least not for the season opener.

The Panthers are ushering in a new rookie quarterback in Bryce Young along with a new coaching staff headed by Frank Reich. There's a lot for Carolina fans to be excited about and for the first time in years, many believe the Panthers are a true threat in the NFC South. 

Last week, I put the Panthers-Falcons Week 1 matchup at No. 2 on my top five most intriguing games of the 2023 season.

"It's Bryce Young's first game in a Panther uniform, so that's why I have it so high on the list. If this game were anywhere else on the schedule, it probably doesn't even make the cut. There's not much to be thrilled about with the Falcons' roster other than Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson."

Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr is also intrigued by the Week 1 clash and put it as the second-best game of the entire 2023 NFL schedule.

"Perhaps you will disagree with my excitement for this game, but allow me the chance to talk you into it. I think this is a good example of the dichotomy in team building. The Falcons decided against trading up for an obvious franchise quarterback and opted to construct their team with a leading emphasis on other positions. The Panthers went the traditional route, knowing that they were bad enough to be in striking distance of a possible face-of-the-franchise-type player. Both teams will inevitably experience their growing pains. However, I would like to see what that individual attrition looks like. For example, is Bijan Robinson good enough to put Desmond Ridder in situations where he can more easily respond to difficulties? Or is Bryce Young so good that he can pull the Panthers out of a less-than-desirable situation? Adding to the intrigue in this matchup is a chance to see what Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero decides to do with the Falcons’ suite of playmakers. He has proved, again and again, to be among the league’s most fearless and creative defensive minds."

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