Panthers Have League's Toughest Schedule

[adallastiger]

Does not seem to make sense. From si.com

• As counter-intuitive as it sounds in the last-shall-be-first ways of the NFL, the Carolina Panthers have the league's toughest schedule. At least based on that often meaningless scale known as strength of schedule -- the combined 2010 won-loss record of all their 2011 opponents.

The 2-14 record the Panthers posted last season got them the No. 1 overall pick in next Thursday night's draft, but it didn't get them an easier road to travel in 2011, at least based on strength of schedule. Carolina's opponents went a combined 142-114 (.555) last year, but keep in mind that playing two games against NFC South foes Atlanta (13-3), New Orleans (11-5) and Tampa Bay (10-6) account for most of the damage.

That said, Carolina rookie head coach Ron Rivera's job won't be easy no matter how you quantify it. The Panthers play nine of their 16 games against teams that finished with at least 10 wins last year, and they draw the Packers, Bears, Saints and Falcons in the season's first six weeks.

[The Saltman]

Oh Reary?

[Guest Setfree1012]

Damn.

[Cavscout]

#1 pick 2 years in a row!!!

That sucks.

[Kurb]

Makes perfect sense if you know anything about the NFL.

[adub2b23]

I wouldn't have it any other way. What satisfaction does beating teams like the cardinals and niners really give us..we don't get any recognition for that. I want to see a hungry and aggressive 2011 team come out strong and beat an opponent who underestimates us. Let's start winning back some credibility as a franchise.