If you thought the Carolina Panthers\u2019 offseason couldn\u2019t get more disrespected, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy just poured gasoline on the fire\u2014and lit the match with a smirk.<\/p>\n
In a now-viral video unveiling the New England Patriots\u2019 2025 schedule, Portnoy didn\u2019t hold back. Standing confidently in front of six Super Bowl trophies, he casually dismissed Carolina\u2019s Week 4 matchup with New England as \u201cbasically a Bye Week.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Then came the knockout punch.<\/p>\n
\u201cCarolina Panthers\u2014the most irrelevant franchise in football, nobody cares about them. They draft a quarterback, they bench a quarterback, he\u2019s back. Panthers useless.\u201d<\/p>\n
That stung. Especially coming from someone who\u2019s no stranger to stirring up controversy around the league. Portnoy, once arrested for protesting Tom Brady\u2019s Deflategate suspension, has long had a turbulent history with the NFL. But this jab at Carolina hit different\u2014not because it\u2019s true, but because it echoes what national pundits have whispered for years.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s set the record straight.<\/p>\n
Carolina finished the 2024 season with a 5-12 record\u2014yes, tied for second-worst in the league\u2014but so did the Patriots. And while New England shelled out to land DT Milton Williams this offseason, the Panthers weren\u2019t asleep. They retooled the defensive line, brought in veteran leadership, and gave Bryce Young the pieces he needs to take the next step.<\/p>\n
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The former Heisman winner showed real promise late in the 2024 season, throwing 8 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions in his final four games. If Young builds on that momentum, Week 4 in Foxborough could look a lot different than Portnoy expects.<\/p>\n
Carolina fans, take note: Respect isn\u2019t given\u2014it\u2019s earned. And the fastest way to earn it? Win. Beat the Patriots. Shut the noise down on their turf.<\/p>\n
The Panthers may not have six Lombardis, but they have something more dangerous\u2014motivation.<\/p>\n
Related: Panthers reveal new jersey numbers for 2025 rookies & free agents<\/a><\/p>\n