3 reasons the Carolina Panthers should avoid Hard Knocks in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers don’t need extra distractions
This offseason is one of the most important in franchise history. The Carolina Panthers are coming off yet another five-win season – a third in succession – and the way they capitulated following a 3-0 start was the clearest sign yet that things are not proceeding as expected under the guidance of head coach Matt Rhule.
A lot of coaches got fired for much less once the 2021 season came to a conclusion. Team owner David Tepper appears to still believe in Rhule to get things right despite plenty of evidence to suggest he isn’t the right man for the job, so there is absolutely no margin for error in the coming months before competitive action resumes once again.
Rhule might see an appearance on Hard Knocks as a way to build up his floundering reputation in NFL circles. However, the Panthers simply do not need the distraction in their current flux with four-straight losing campaigns since Tepper purchased the team from Jerry Richardson.
Focusing on football matters and not the cameras should be the priority. Carolina doesn’t have the luxury of pandering to HBO – as harsh as it may sound – and considering what’s at stake for Rhule next season, he should avoid this temptation at all costs.
In an ideal world, this would be an exceptional opportunity to build the brand. But after the season Carolina just endured, that is simply not the case, unfortunately.