ESPN makes prediction on Carolina Panthers over/under following schedule release

Even before the NFL schedule release took place, the Carolina Panthers already knew who their opponents were going to be. However, more specific information is known now, as exact dates, times, and TV broadcasts were announced by the league on Thursday night.

After the schedule release, ESPN made a prediction on what the Carolina over/under should be, settling on six games. After only winning five games last year, the 2022 season total would technically be an improvement for the franchise but still not up to the standards. The play of quarterback Sam Darnold is cited as a big factor for the Panthers.

The over/under of 6 is one more win than the team has had in each of the past three seasons,” ESPN’s David Newton said. “Carolina hasn’t had a winning season since going 11-5 in 2017, which coincides with the last time the team had consistent quarterback play. To surpass six wins, consistent play from Sam Darnold, or whoever is at quarterback, is a must.”

Carolina will begin their season on Sept. 11 with a home game against the Cleveland Browns. Their final two games of the year will be against NFC South divisional opponents with the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There will be challenges throughout the entire season, also playing teams from the NFC West and AFC North.

As for the quarterback situation, Carolina selected Matt Corral in the 2022 NFL Draft to work alongside Darnold throughout the season. Whether or not that’s the only move they make this offseason has yet to be seen. Either way, if head coach Matt Rhule is going to be successful, the quarterback play will be crucial.

Carolina Panthers release former Penn State safety

The Carolina Panthers have released former Penn State safety Drew Hartlaub, according to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson.

Hartlaub, a former fan-favorite walk-on with the Nittany Lions, grew up in Hanover, Pa., just two hours from Penn State’s campus. He never saw much action during his four-year tenure with the program, mostly playing special teams and providing an extra body on the practice field. He recorded 16 total tackles in his collegiate career.

Despite this, he still managed to find himself with an opportunity with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent last week, but it didn’t last long. The 5-foot-11, 183-pound safety is now forced to look for a home elsewhere in the NFL and will have to work from the ground up once he gets there.