The schedule isn't as bad as people make it out to be.  The Falcons have always been overrated and the Colts and Vikings are weak to say the least.  We beat the Redskins last year, and the Titans and the Jags are lesser competition than us.  If we can beat each of our division opponents once then we have a legit shot.  Our chance of winning 8-10 games is not that far off and last I looked that's all it takes to make it to the playoffs.  I know it's still the beginning of a long grueling season but people are to quick to write teams off that have yet play and see adversity together.  Carolina is still learning to be a team and even if the Panthers put up a .500 season, they are far better than most teams given the strength of their schedule.