Carolina Panthers: All Time Rivalries

Dec 14, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver

(83) makes a reception as he is tackled by Carolina Panthers safety

(33) during the second half of the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers are on the road this week to visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers are a divisional game for the Panthers, but that was not always so. There was a time in the Panthers twenty year history when they were part of the old NFC West. In those days, playing Tampa would have been an oddity, but San Francisco or St. Louis would have been constant companions.

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So we are to take a look back at some of the greatest rivalries the Panthers have had in their history. The strength of the rivalry will be judged by longevity, series intensity, and value to the Panthers fan base. Many fans may have personal rivalries that mean more to them, but this is looking at the ones that mean the most to the franchise. So I will say straight up that the Dallas Cowboys are not on this list.

Also missing are the Washington Redskins. The Redskins were and are a local favorite from the days when Charlotte was in the Washington TV market for games. The Redskins do not have a long history of playing the Panthers. The most meaningful thing that Washington did for the Panthers was cut Stephen Davis.