Panthers' 2009 Schedule Released, Dates to Be Determined

The Panthers' 2009 schedule has been released. So far we know the opponents, but as far as when they'll play them, that remains to be seen.

2009 will not be a "walk in the park" season, and the 2008 season's schedule is somewhat of a segue to a tougher schedule in '09.

The Panthers' home and away games will feature the usual rivalries of Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and New Orleans.

Next season Carolina will be playing against the NFC East as inner-conference opponents, and the AFC East as out of conference opponents.

The Panthers will play host to the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins from the NFC East. They will be on the road against the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants (I hope I can get tickets to this one).

Carolina will host the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills from the AFC East, and go on the road to the New England Patriots and New York Jets (I need to get tickets to that one also).

The Panthers will also play an NFC North opponent, hosting the Minnesota Vikings, and will go on the road to play their NFC West counterpart Arizona Cardinals.

Carolina will be facing a lot of teams from the 2008 season again. Out of the 2009 schedule, the Giants, Vikings, Eagles ('08 preseason), and Cardinals ('08 postseason) are all teams the Panthers lost to (from outside the NFC South division).

It will be a tougher year, but I see good things coming in the Panthers' future, and I can hardly wait for mini camps, Draft Day, and training camp.

Go Panthers! Keep pounding!