Carolina Panthers: Realistic expectations for Matt Rhule in 2020

What could be some realistic expectations for head coach Matt Rhule during his first season with the Carolina Panthers?

The Carolina Panthers face a season of transition heading into 2020. They have completely overhauled their roster during head coach Matt Rhule’s initial period in the role with a view to becoming possible contenders in the future.

This is going to come with some concerns early on. And this becomes more prevalent when one considers the lack of time the roster will have before going into competitive battle.

Rhule is not under any immediate pressure to bring any success to the Carolina Panthers. But the team is expected to show a marked improvement in some areas as the franchise looks to have a contender by the time their ambitious plans off the field come to fruition.

The organization gave Rhule a seven-year contract to tempt him away from a Baylor program that transformed under his stewardship. He has surrounded himself with plenty of familiar faces to ensure he has trusted figures around him during his transition from college to the pros.

Although expectations are relatively low in terms of the Panthers securing a winning record next season, it will be imperative that the franchise sets some realistic targets that give them a platform from which to build in the future. Rhule has a tremendous record of turning around struggling systems in college. And he has already shown that he is no afraid to make bold decisions when he sees fit.

He will be only too aware of the task awaiting his side in 2020. They find themselves in an NFC South division that has two primary contenders for a Super Bowl in the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And their schedule also sees the Panthers clash with teams that have realistic ambitions of making the postseason.

What the Carolina Panthers can realistically expect from Matt Rhule?

It is going to be crucial for the Carolina Panthers to get off to a good start. This will improve confidence in all areas and give a young roster the morale boost they did to go on to bigger and better things.

While it might be some way off before the team becomes a realistic Super Bowl contender, Rhule will find out a lot about his players in 2020. This will enable him to form plans for the next offseason as the campaign goes on for what will be another pivotal offseason.

Everyone associated with the Panthers knows that such a drastic change in the roster is going to come with its fair share of difficulty. That being said, there is some real talent on both sides of the ball and if everything clicks instantly then the team has a good chance of making waves.

Their offense should take steps forward with Teddy Bridgewater under center. But it remains to be seen how their offensive line holds up with big changes in all areas.

The Panthers’ defense will be reverting back to a 4-3 base and could also see some improvements despite the retirement of perennial All-Pro Luke Kuechly. One area of considerable concern is their young secondary. And their contribution is going to be key to whatever fortune comes their way.

In terms of Rhule’s individual expectations, if he can show the same sort of characteristics that brought him to prominence in college, it will be a huge plus. Making strides forward is all one can ask for at this stage. And this could be the catalyst for a bright future for Rhule in Carolina.

The next few weeks are going to be key. And this could shape the direction of the franchise going forward.