The 2020 season was the Carolina Panthers' 26th in the National Football League (NFL) and their first under head coach Matt Rhule. The offseason saw several notable departures; quarterback Cam Newton was released after the Panthers couldn't find a team willing to trade for him, while linebacker Luke Kuechly announced his retirement on January 14, 2020. On December 21, 2020 the Panthers parted ways with general manager Marty Hurney after a total of 14 non-consecutive seasons with the organization.
With a loss to the Vikings in week 12, the Panthers secured their third consecutive non-winning season. After losing their first two games and winning the next three, the Panthers suffered a five-game losing streak before beating the Lions in week 11 and losing to the Vikings before their bye week. After their week 15 loss to the Packers, Carolina was eliminated from the playoffs for the third consecutive season. With the loss to the Saints in week 17, the Panthers matched their 5âÂÂ11 record from the previous season.
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The Panthers' preseason schedule was announced on May 7, but was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Panthers' 2020 schedule was announced on May 7.
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
In the Panthers' home opener, they came close to beating the Las Vegas Raiders until a Raiders touchdown at the end of the fourth quarter. The Panthers, facing a 4th and 1 near midfield, gave the ball to FB Alexander Armah who was stuffed at the line of scrimmage, resulting in a turnover on downs; they were criticized for not giving the ball to McCaffrey. The Panthers lost 30âÂÂ34 and started off the season 0âÂÂ1.
Carolina traveled down south to Tampa Bay to face their new quarterback, Tom Brady. It was a scoreless first half for the Panthers while Tampa Bay managed to score 21 points. In the third Christian McCaffrey put points up on the board for Carolina. He again scored another touchdown early in the fourth decreasing the lead to seven. Soon after he left the game with a sprained ankle. Tampa Bay and Carolina then both scored field goals. Leonard Fournette ran up the field 46 yards for a Bucs touchdown. The Buccaneers defeat the Panthers 31âÂÂ17. With this loss, the Panthers suffered their second consecutive 0âÂÂ2 start.
The Panthers were able to hold off the Chargers and defeat them 21âÂÂ16, improving to 1âÂÂ2. With this win they snapped a 10-game losing streak dating back to week 9 of last season.
The Panthers started the game off with scoring two touchdowns by Mike Davis and Teddy Bridgewater in the first quarter. In the second Arizona's Patrick Peterson intercepted a pass intended for Ian Thomas. Kyler Murray threw a three-yard pass to Jordan Thomas resulting in a Cardinals touchdown. Kyler Murray fumbles the ball in the third quarter and it was recovered by Carolina. The Panthers score with another Ian Thomas touchdown. Arizona answers back with a touchdown. Joey Slye kicks a field goal for Carolina, and Chase Edmonds scores a touchdown for Arizona in the fourth. Panthers win 31âÂÂ21 and improve to 2âÂÂ2.
Ahead of this matchup, the Panthers announced that they would be deploying robotic technology to disinfect areas around their stadium and locker room as an effort to keep fans and players safe from COVID-19.
The Panthers defeat the Falcons 23âÂÂ16, and improve to 3âÂÂ2. This was also the team's first win in Atlanta since 2014.
Chicago beats Carolina 23âÂÂ16, and the Panthers fall to 3âÂÂ3.
It was another close one for the Panthers but they ended up losing to Saints 24âÂÂ27 after Joey Slye missed a tying field goal, and fall to 3âÂÂ4. This was quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's first return to New Orleans since leaving the team via free agency during the offseason.
This was the Panthers' first shutout win since week 14 of 2015. It was also QB P. J. Walker's first NFL start.
In the final minutes of the game, the Panthers had a 27âÂÂ21 lead over Minnesota. However, Kirk Cousins threw the game-winning touchdown with 46 seconds left.
With this loss, the Carolina Panthers are 1âÂÂ6 in their last 7 games versus Denver.
With the win against the Washington Football Team, the Panthers recorded their 200th win in franchise history.