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Confirmed
In Short: The Carolina Panthers, who were torched for 59 points by the Chicago Bears in Week 1, prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons.
The Carolina Panthers' defense suffered a devastating blow in their Week 1 game against the Chicago Bears, allowing a staggering 59 points and 552 total yards.
Carolina's running back Jonathon Brooks is expected to undergo core muscle surgery and will be sidelined for at least six weeks, adding to the team's woes.
The Panthers' defense, which struggled significantly in the first game, will face another tough test against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2.
Atlanta's quarterback situation remains uncertain, with Cooper Rush starting again after the team's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rush's performance will be crucial as the Falcons look to improve their record against a struggling Panthers team.
Head coach Matt Canales expressed confidence in the system and scheme, despite the team's poor performance.
Brooks was seen favoring his injury as he limped to the locker room after the game, highlighting the depth issues the Panthers face.
The Panthers' defense will need to improve significantly if they hope to avoid another disastrous performance against the Falcons.
FIU's Panthers, under head coach Willie Simmons, are preparing for their 2026 season opener against USF in Tampa.
FIU's non-conference schedule includes a Shula Bowl clash with Florida Atlantic and a game against LIU.
The NFL Kickoff Game will be played on a Wednesday instead of a Thursday, marking the second time this has happened.
Backup quarterback Jack Strand will likely remain in the backup role, with the team focusing on consistency.
What this adds
The Panthers' defense's performance against the Bears is a significant concern for the upcoming game against the Falcons.
The injury to Jonathon Brooks adds to the Panthers' depth issues and could impact their performance in the upcoming game.
FIU's Panthers have a challenging non-conference schedule, but their focus remains on building consistency and improving their overall play.
What's confirmed
- The Carolina Panthers' defense suffered a devastating blow in their Week 1 game against the Chicago Bears, allowing a staggering 59 points and 552 total yards.
- Carolina's running back Jonathon Brooks is expected to undergo core muscle surgery and will be sidelined for at least six weeks, adding to the team's woes.
- The Panthers' defense, which struggled significantly in the first game, will face another tough test against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2.
- Atlanta's quarterback situation remains uncertain, with Cooper Rush starting again after the team's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Rush's performance will be crucial as the Falcons look to improve their record against a struggling Panthers team.
- Head coach Matt Canales expressed confidence in the system and scheme, despite the team's poor performance.
- Brooks was seen favoring his injury as he limped to the locker room after the game, highlighting the depth issues the Panthers face.
- The Panthers' defense will need to improve significantly if they hope to avoid another disastrous performance against the Falcons.
- FIU's Panthers, under head coach Willie Simmons, are preparing for their 2026 season opener against USF in Tampa.
- FIU's non-conference schedule includes a Shula Bowl clash with Florida Atlantic and a game against LIU.
- The NFL Kickoff Game will be played on a Wednesday instead of a Thursday, marking the second time this has happened.
- Backup quarterback Jack Strand will likely remain in the backup role, with the team focusing on consistency.
What's still developing
- This may not be a good time to cross paths with the Panthers defense, though, as they'll have a lot of frustration to release on the field.
- The series and film followed the fictional Dillon Panthers as Coach Taylor (Chandler in the series) inspired them to achieve greatness.
- The Panthers brought in former Chargers and Commanders running back Austin Ekeler for a workout on Wednesday but won't be signing him immediately, a source told ESPN.
- The third-year running back walked to the tunnel with a towel over his head with three members of the Panthers' staff.
- Staying in the Sunshine State for their entire non-conference slate, the Panthers have their season opener on the road in Tampa at USF on Sept.
- This tilt will be FIU's first of two games against American Conference competition in 2026 and the first time the Panthers have taken on the Bulls since 2008.
- Back at home for Week Four, the Panthers conclude their non-conference slate with a tilt against LIU on Sept.
- The Panthers garnered a pivotal victory over the Gamecocks last season, winning 27-21, to secure bowl eligibility for the first time since 2019.
- Last year alone the Houston Texans, the Chicago Bears, and the Carolina Panthers all made the playoffs despite dropping their first two games.
- Last Sunday against the Carolina Panthers was another story, as the Falcons never looked in the game from the start — when Rush lost a fumble on the first play from scrimmage — and a 34-3 loss was what waited for them.
- Atlanta has more than a few question marks at quarterback, while Carolina is coming off a disastrous defensive performance when the Panthers visit the Falcons on Sunday.
- The Falcons are sticking with Rush again in Week 2, but there’s a possibility one of Atlanta’s other quarterbacks will be under center when the team visits the Green Bay Packers the following Thursday night.