4 pivotal traits the Carolina Panthers must adopt in 2022

Carolina Panthers must manage players better

Availability is the best ability and that reigns true in the NFL. Especially considering the recent change to a 17-game season.

When a team is without its best guys, their production and overall progress suffers as a result. With COVID-19 issues causing further complications over the last two seasons, organizations across the league need a strong player-management culture and this bears more significance with their top stars.

With that being said, the Carolina Panthers might have not been the most injured squad this year, but they were forced to play without the services of Christian McCaffery once again. When the All-Pro went down, the whole season went on a down trot.

A star player will always paper over the cracks of a team. Before McCaffrey suffered an injury on Thursday Night Football at the Houston Texans, they were in the midst of a great run.

After he was forced to the sidelines, the Panthers went on a four-game losing streak.

Jaycee Horn also breaking his foot in the same game hurt in terms of his progression as a rookie cornerback. To lose your first rounder early in the season put a dent in Carolina’s defensive plans.

Not only that, but his growth is severely stipend as he didn’t get much  live action. Horn got his mental reps in which are still key but didn’t get his season of meaningful game time.

It will be interesting to see how Horn makes his return next season and continue his journey to being a premier corner. But the Panthers must also become a team that manages players better than they are currently doing.