The Carolina Panthers open the season on Sept. 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. This has been a complete overhaul of the roster for first-year NFL coach Matt Rhule and his staff, the least experienced in the league. It's a new era with franchise quarterback Cam Newton now in New England and Pro Bowl linebacker Luke Kuechly taking early retirement. Here's a 53-man roster projection:
QUARTERBACK (3): Teddy Bridgewater, Will Grier, P.J. Walker
Rhule believes he has three quarterbacks that can win games in the NFL - eventually. But right now Bridgewater is the only one that has proven he can win now, going 22-12 as a starter, including 5-0 with New Orleans last year. Experience with first-year offensive coordinator Joe Brady, pin-point passing and leadership are a big reason Rhule felt Bridgewater was a "better fit'' than Newton in this rebuild. Walker appears to have the edge over Grier, but it's tight. His ability as a playmaker under Rhule at Temple and in the XFL this past season provides a comfort level in case something happens to Bridgewater.