Game Reset
- Carolina Panthers (0-0) vs. New York Jets (0-0)
- Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C. | Tickets
- Sunday, Sept. 12 | CBS | 1:00 p.m. ET
- Roster | Depth Chart | How to Watch
History: Panthers vs. Jets
- Carolina is 4-3 all-time against the Jets, including a 3-1 record at home.
- The Jets are in Carolina's record book as the first opponent the Panthers ever beat in 1995.
- Current Streak: Panthers W2
- Last matchup: Carolina defeated New York, 35-27, in the Meadowlands in 2017.
- Sunday marks the first time playing the Jets in September and first time opening the season against the AFC East.
Notable Connections
Panthers
- Quarterback Sam Darnold was drafted by New York and played for the Jets from 2018-20
- Wide receiver Robby Anderson played for New York from 2016-19
- Safety Juston Burris, offensive lineman Pat Elflein, linebacker Frankie Luvu and linebacker Julian Stanford all previously played for the Jets.
- Assistant offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. spent time with the Jets in 2014 as an assistant.
Jets
- Guard Greg Van Roten played for the Panthers from 2017-19
Rookie Zach Wilson takes over in New York after an eye-popping senior season at BYU that led to him being drafted second behind Trevor Lawrence in this year's NFL Draft. Wilson went 15-of-20 for 191 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in two games of preseason action, both wins.
The team signed former Titans first-rounder Corey Davis, a wideout who had 984 receiving yards and five touchdowns last year. They also added Tevin Coleman at running back, a player who had 800 rushing yards for Atlanta back in 2018 before spending the last two years in San Francisco.
The Jets also drafted wide receiver Elijah Moore out of Ole Miss, Moore led all of FBS with 149.1 receiving yards per game in 2020. The offensive line is largely the same as 2020 with the addition of drafted rookie Alijah Vera-Tucker, who is projected to start at left guard.
The defensive front includes standout Quinnen Williams, a defensive tackle who produced 7.0 sacks and two forced fumbles last year. New York also added Sheldon Rankins from the Saints to go with Bryce Huff, Folorunso Fatukasi and John Franklin-Myers along the front.
New York's secondary remains a big question mark. The Jets allowed 275.6 yards per game through the air last year (28th).
| Category (2020 stats) | Panthers | Jets |
|---|---|---|
| Offense | ||
| Total Yards/Game | 349.5 (21st) | 279.9 (32nd) |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 106.5 (21st) | 105.2 (23rd) |
| Net Passing Yards/Game | 243.0 (18th) | 174.8 (31st) |
| Sacks Allowed | 36 (17th) | 43 (24th) |
| Third Down Efficiency | 39.0 (25th) | 34.0 (32nd) |
| Points/Game | 21.9 (24th) | 15.2 (32nd) |
| Defense | ||
| Total Yards/Game | 360.1 (18th) | 387.6 (24th) |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 121.0 (20th) | 112.0 (12th) |
| Passing Yards/Game | 239.1 (18th) | 275.6 (28th) |
| Sacks | 29 (23rd) | 31 (20th) |
| Third Down Efficiency | 49.2 (31st) | 44.6 (24th) |
| Turnover Margin | +1 (16th) | 0 (17th) |
| Points Allowed/Game | 24.8 (18th) | 27.1 (26th) |
Season Openers
- Carolina is 10-16 all-time in season openers and 4-9 when opening the year at home. This marks the fourth straight home opener for the Panthers after playing four straight openers on the road from 2014-17.
- Sam Darnold will become the 11th different QB to start in Week 1 for Carolina.
- Christian McCaffrey has the scored the team's first touchdown of the season in each of the last two openers. If he scores first on Sunday, he ties Wesley Walls (1997-99) for the most consecutive opening TDs in franchise history.
Stat Nuggets To Know
Team
- As of Tuesday afternoon, Carolina's roster ranks as the youngest in the NFL at 25.67 years old per player, per Elias. The Jets are the third-youngest roster at 25.71.
- With so much change on both teams, only two players of the 44 total that started the last matchup in 2017 are still on the same teams: Carolina's Shaq Thompson and New York's Marcus Maye.
- From Weeks 11-17 last year, Carolina's defense ranked sixth in total yards allowed (1961), ninth in total points allowed (130) and seventh in sacks per pass attempt (8.5). Eight of the 11 defensive starters from the Week 16 win at Washington are still on the roster.
- Carolina's projected front seven totaled 31.5 sacks in 2020 in Carolina and on other teams.
- In the 2021 preseason, the Panthers led the NFL with a turnover margin of +7. The team's eight takeaways (five on defense, three on special teams) were third-highest in the league.
Individual
- Running back Christian McCaffrey returns after playing in just three games in 2020. He has 5,817 scrimmage yards in his first 51 career games, ninth-most in the NFL since 2000, while his 320 receptions are fourth-most by a player in his first 51 games.
- Wide receiver DJ Moore averaged 18.1 yards per catch in 2020, the most by any player with at least 50 catches.
- Wide receiver Robby Anderson had 95 catches and 1,096 receiving yards, nearly becoming just the fourth Panther to ever have 100 catches and 1,000 yards in the same season.
- Through two seasons, defensive end Brian Burns has 16.5 sacks tied for the most in his draft class and second-most by any Panther through two seasons behind Julius Peppers (19.0).
- Safety Jeremy Chinn led all rookies with 116 tackles last season and was the only player with at least 100 tackles, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown.
Milestones in Reach
Christian McCaffrey
- Needs a game with a rushing and receiving TD to pass Minnesota's Chuck Foreman (9) for the most such games in a player's first five seasons in the NFL
- Needs 192 rushing yards to pass DeShaun Foster (3,336) for fourth in Panthers history
- Needs five receptions to pass Wesley Walls (324) for fourth in Panthers history
- Needs six receiving TDs to pass Devin Funchess (21) for fifth in franchise history
- Needs six scrimmage TDs (rush + receiving) to pass Muhsin Muhammad (50) for fifth and needs 14 scrimmage TDs to pass Cam Newton (58) for second in franchise history
- Needs 647 scrimmage yards to pass Greg Olsen (6,463) for fifth in Panthers history
DJ Moore
- Needs nine receptions to pass Muhsin Muhammad (216) for the most receptions in a WR's first four seasons of his career in Carolina
Shaq Thompson
- Needs 35 tackles to pass Chris Gamble (493) for fifth all time in Panthers history
Donte Jackson
- Needs five interceptions to pass Richard Marshall/Doug Evans (14) for fifth all-time in franchise history
Brian Burns
- Needs 4.5 sacks to pass Kris Jenkins (20.5) for seventh among defensive linemen in Panthers history
Jeremy Chinn
- Needs 42 tackles to pass Will Witherspoon (157) for the most tackles in the first two seasons by a non-middle linebacker.
Carolina is 4-3 all-time against the Jets, featuring a 3-1 record at home and 1-2 mark on the road.
Julius Peppers sacks the quarterback during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Luke Kuechly returns an interception during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Devin Funchess makes a reception during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Kaelin Clay scores a touchdown during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Jonathan Stewart carries the football during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Jonathan Stewart tries to dive over the goal line during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Christian McCaffrey during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Christian McCaffrey breaks a tackle during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Cam Newton runs for a touchdown during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Carolina Panthers' Dwayne Jarrett catches a ball as he falls into the endzone during an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. A penalty was called on the play and the touchdown was called back. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers' Jake Delhomme points during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers punter Todd Sauerbrun (10) reacts as his kick is blocked by New York Jets' Jamie Henderson (23) in the first quarter at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Oct. 28, 2001. The Jets returned the punt for a touchdown.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) is tackled by New York Jets safety Eric Smith (33) and teammate David Harris (52) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers tight end Dante Rosario (88) stiff-arms New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace (97) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets won the game 17-6. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
New York Jets' quarterback Brooks Bollinger (5) is sacked by Carolina Panthers' Kendal Moorehead, center, as Jets' Scott Gragg (74) grabs Moorehead during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Chris Harris tackles New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller (81) as Keller fumbles the ball during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets' Thomas Jones runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Richard Marshall (31) in the third quarter during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets running back Shonn Greene (23) fights for control of the ball against Carolina Panthers' James Anderson (50) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Carolina Panthers' Stephen Davis (48) celebrates his one-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 30-3 win over the New York Jets in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005.(AP Photo/Rusty Burroughs)
FILE - In this Oct. 15, 1995, file photo, Carolina Panthers head coach Dom Capers, center, and linebacker Lamar Lathon (57) celebrate the team's first win, 26-15 over the New York Jets at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Carolina went 7-9 in their inaugural season in 1995 with Kerry Collins leading the way. The Panthers made it to the NFC championship game a season later, losing 30-13 to Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. (AP Photo/Alan Marler, File)
New York Jets' Justin Miller (22) fumbles a kickoff return as he is hit by Carolina Panthers' Ricky Manning Jr (24) during the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 30-3 win in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005. The Panthers forced six turnovers, four of which came on consecutive New York possessions, to pull away after an uneventful first half. Carolina scored 20 points off turnovers.(AP Photo/Rick Havner)
FILE - In this Oct. 15, 1995, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Sam Mills holds the ball high as he reaches the end zone for the first touchdown of the game after intercepting the ball from the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Clemson, S.C. Mills was selected as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2021 on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Ruth Fremson, File)
Carolina Panthers' Stephen Davis (48) runs past New York Jets' Shaun Ellis (92) during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Keary Colbert (83) celebrates his touchdown catch as New York Jets' Justin Miller (22) looks on during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005.(AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers' Ken Lucas (23) celebrates one of his two interceptions with teammate Marlon McCree (27) during the third quarter of the Panthers' 30-3 win over the New York Jets in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005. The Panthers forced six turnovers, four of which came on consecutive New York possessions, to pull away after an uneventful first half. Carolina scored 20 points off turnovers.(AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) throws a pass under pressure during the first quarter against the New York Jets in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New York Jets' Curtis Martin (28) runs past Carolina Panthers' Deon Grant (27) during in the second quarter of the Jet's 13-12 win at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Oct. 28, 2001. Martin ran for 159 yards in the win. (AP Photo/Rusty Burroughs)
New York Jets' Richie Anderson (20) loses the ball as he is hit by Carolina Panthers' Dean Wells (95) in the first quarter at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Oct. 28, 2001. Carolina Panthers' Rashard Anderson recovered the fumble and ran it back 97 yards for a touchdown.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)