This is the first of four posts looking at the Panthers upcoming season in 4 four game sections, or quarters if you will. I realize we are all looking for big things from the Panthers this season but we have to be realistic. The chances of this team performing at a high level straight out of the gate given the changes that have been made are pretty slim. More than likely the offense will take some time to click on those key 3rd downs. Add in the fact the Panthers start the season facing three of the toughest defenses in the league gives us room for pause.

Here's the first four games:

@ San Diego Chargers

Chicago Bears

@ Minnesota Vikings

Atlanta Falcons

I'm going to say right from the top that if the Panthers start 2-2 we shouldn't panic at all. The Chargers contest is a tough way to start for a revamped offensive line and receiving corps. In this game I'm just looking for a competitive game and hopefully few mistakes. History tells us to expect otherwise but if the Panthers play well here, even if they lose, it should provide motivation and confidence. On the contrary, if the Panthers should actually win this game you talk about expectations going through the roof, well, I'm sure you know how Panther land will react. It would be a nice problem to have though.

As we all know the Panthers down right sucked at home last season (2-6) up until the 49ers came to town. Panthers fans will be looking for a return to the home dominance we experienced in past years. The Bears should be just the remedy as their offense will not scare anyone this season. They did nothing with the QB position and let their best WR walk in free agency. Of course they still have their vaunted defense but I'm thinking the Bears will deteriorate further before they get better. This one should be a welcome win for the home crowd.

The Vikings will prove to be another difficult road game as the Panthers face a good Viking defense that only got better in the off season with the signing of DE Jared Allen. Our LB's better be on their game as well as the Panthers get their first look at phenom RB Adrian Peterson. The good news is the Vikes are still questionable throwing the ball and the pass defense may still be suspect as well.  If the Panthers can avoid mistakes, control AP and put some pressure on the Vikings offense they could pull this one out. The Panthers did go 5-3 on the road last season.

I'm sure we all have the Falcons game penciled in as a win and I have no doubt the Panthers will post a W. Just don't expect the Falcons to roll over as they always play the Panthers tough. The good news is Falcons TE Alge Crumpler aka...Panther killer...was released. We also won't get to see another classic Steve Smith-DeAngelo Hall battle (and meltdown) since Hall has taken his attitude to Oakland. I expect the Panthers to win this one but not without some early gnashing of teeth.

So there you have it, I'm expecting 2-2, would be estatic with 3-1, but hardly expect 4-0. Unfortunately 1-3 is a possibility as well if the Panthers can't find their home magic right away. Even at 1-3 Panther fans should panic too much (though I know they would) as the schedule is in their favor overall. The truth is at 1-3 most fans will be calling for Fox's head. If they should start 0-4 I'll be the first one to call for it myself. Otherwise we should be patient at the offense will need time to gel.

So what do you think about the Panthers 1st four games?