Panthers 2009 Preseason Opponents Announced

The NFL has released the preseason schedule (well at least some of it) and I have to say I'm confused. I thought teams do not play the same teams in the preseason as those on the season schedule.Check out the first two teams we play.

Preseason Game 1: Panthers @ Giants Aug. 17th 8:00pm ESPN

Game 2: Panthers @ Miami

Game 3: Ravens @ Panthers

Game 4: Steelers @ Panthers

The dates and times for games 2 to 4 have not been set.

I'm confused because the Panthers play both the Giants and Dolphins in their division match-ups with the NFC East and AFC East. I guess that's my error thinking the Panthers would not play the same team in preseason and the regular season since that is exactly what has happened. At least its the early games but you can rest assured the Panthers will keep things very vanilla in those games. I'm even more for going to 18 games if this is going to be the preseason schedule in the future. I don't like playing a team in the preseason and then in the regular season. Don't like it one bit.