Just like last season I think it’s going to be games five through eight that answer the question as to whether the Panthers are contenders or pretenders. Last season the Panthers stood at 4-2 after six games but without Jake at QB and the Colts up next we knew it was not looking pretty. A subsequent five game losing streak eliminated any hope the Panthers could contend without their leader at QB.

In a complete contrast I think by the end of game eight the Panthers will be looking like solid contenders with a favorable schedule for the second half of the season.

Game 5: Chiefs @ Panthers

By all accounts the Chiefs had a great draft but it’s hard to imagine it will make the Chiefs playoff contenders in ’08.  Instead I think this will be a game for the home crowd to enjoy as the Panthers win big and get above .500 at 3-2. The Chiefs will get behind early as their not yet improved defense fails to stop the Panthers passing game. The Panthers LB’s will stop the Chiefs from running the ball forcing Brodie Croyle to throw and make mistakes. This will also be a game where the Panther pass rush breaks out on the Chiefs revamped o-line.

Game 6: Panthers @ Bucs

This is the game that starts to make believers out of all of the Panther naysayers. The Panthers go down to Tampa against a smug Bucs team expecting to put the Panthers in their place and instead fall to a game winning field goal by John Kasay. Jeff Garcia will fail to work his magic of last season and instead looks like the QB that washed out of San Fran.

Game 7: Saints @ Panthers

The Saints come to Charlotte to battle for 1^st place in the NFC South and the Panthers come ready to play. Though the Saints tried hard to improve their lagging defense in the offseason it’s no match for the balanced attack of the Panthers. I expect a high scoring affair that leaves the panthers alone on top of the NFC South at 3-0 and now 5-2 overall.  

Game 8: Cardinals @ Panthers

This is the easiest pick so far as the Panthers just have the Cards number. If the Cards couldn’t beat the Panthers last season in AZ they sure won’t get it done this season in Charlotte. The Cardinals passing game will put up some yards but in the end they just can’t control the ball enough to outscore the potent Panther offense. I can see the Panthers putting up 200+ yards rushing in this game as the Panthers finish the first half of the season 6-2.

I know to anyone outside of Pantherland this post sounds like complete fiction but I don’t think I will be far off. Let me know what you think, fact or fiction?