The NFL preseason is all about preparation. To Panthers coach Matt Rhule, that means taking a trip to Foxborough.
Rhule told reporters Tuesday at the NFL Meetings about the Patriots’ and Panthers’ mutual request to play each other during the preseason. The young head coach was effusive in his praise of the Patriots, and the benefits of practicing with them.
“I think any time you have a chance to work against another team, it’s great. But especially that team. The way they do everything — their detail,” Rhule said, via ESPN's Mike Reiss. “And then running the ball against them; they’re physical up front, they have a really good defensive line. They have veteran players. They know how to practice. So, we’ll take it for kind of a road trip, a little bit of team bonding.”
Rhule’s compliments are a reminder of Belichick’s stature among his peers. Sure, we may rip his decision to not name coordinators, but even Sean McVay can barely keep it together in his presence.
Clearly, Rhule views spending time with Belichick as invaluable.
“I’m excited about it. I think it will be good for our guys,” Rhule said. “We’ve had conversations. So, if it all works out, which we’re expecting it will, I think it will be good, productive work.”
The Panthers started strong last season, but stumbled to a 5-12 finish. The Patriots throttled them 24-6 when they played in November.
And much like last year, the Panthers still don’t have a quarterback. That will probably matter more than some joint sessions with the Patriots, but we’ll see.