Panthers 2009 Preseason Schedule Released: Steelers, Giants Among Opponents

The Panthers 2009 preseason schedule was released on Monday, pitting the Cats against four of 2008's playoff teams, the Steelers and Giants most notable among the four.

The Panthers start preseason on Aug. 17 on ESPN in the Meadowlands at Giants Stadium, marking the seventh meeting between between the Giants and Panthers in a preseason game.

In their second game of preseason the Panthers will travel to Miami and face off against the Dolphins. The last time the Panthers played Miami, was in the preseason of 2006.

In week three of preseason, the Panthers will see the Baltimore Ravens make their way to Charlotte for the first time since the 2002 season in week three.

In the final preseason game, the Panthers will play host to the Super Bowl defending Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, marking the 11th time the two clubs have met in the preseason, making the Pittsburgh matchup one of the most common for the Panthers in preseason.

Carolina's regular season schedule of opponents has already been set, but the times and dates have yet to be determined.

Aside from the usual inner-division matchups with Tampa Bay, Atlanta, and New Orleans, the Panthers will play Philadelphia, Washington, Minnesota, Buffalo, and New England at home in Charlotte. The Panthers will travel to Dallas, Miami, Arizona, New York Jets, and New York Giants.

One thing that has always struck me as odd, is why would the schedule be set so that the Panthers have to play two teams in preseason, and then again in regular season? That will remain a mystery to me.

2009 Preseason Schedule

Monday August 17 @ NY Giants, 8PM ESPN
Week 2 (Date/Time TBA) @ Miami Dolphins
Week 3 (Date.Time TBA) V. Baltimore Ravens
Week 4 (Date/Time TBA) V. Pittsburgh Steelers