3 reasons the Carolina Panthers should avoid Hard Knocks in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers have a lot to lose
As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers might see appearing on HBO’s Hard Knocks as a chance to get people back onside by showing them exactly the way things are being handled in practice and away from the gridiron.
Billionaire owner David Tepper was more than happy to appear in front of the media almost constantly since purchasing the team – including the Amazon docuseries All or Nothing – but with the organization struggling mightily in 2021 he was almost invisible and not available for interview whatsoever.
According to Joe Person of The Athletic, Tepper is reportedly embarrassed by the seven-year, $62 million contract given to Matt Rhule in pursuit of tempting him from the college ranks and preventing the coach from taking charge at the New York Giants. This mistake hasn’t caused him to cut ties altogether just yet, even though that might change if things don’t improve drastically next time around.
Throwing Rhule into the national spotlight on Hard Knocks could be a road to redemption for the former Baylor man in pursuit of convincing many who have already written off his chances. However, it might do more damage than it’s certainly worth.
Tepper will make sure he comes off well and center his focus on the Panthers’ grand plans at Rock Hill. But this looks like a situation where Rhule could be thrown to the wolves.