5 critical observations from the Carolina Panthers 2022 offseason so far
By Dean Jones
What are some critical observations from what’s already been a busy 2022 offseason period for the Carolina Panthers?
It might only be a few weeks old, but the Carolina Panthers have already begun making moves during one of their most important offseason periods in recent memory. There could be a small chance for Matt Rhule to turn things around given what’s transpired within the division of late, but it’s absolutely vital they get every single personnel decision right in the weeks and months ahead to capitalize on this.
Things went south pretty quickly for the Panthers after their 3-0 start. Losing 12 out of the last 14 games led many to speculate whether that would be the end for Rhule, but team owner David Tepper is giving the former Baylor man one last chance to pick the organization up after languishing in mediocrity or worse since he purchased the franchise from Jerry Richardson.
We are currently two weeks away from the Super Bowl, but the pieces are already beginning to fall in Carolina after another failed postseason bid. And make no mistake, there will be plenty more drama to come before OTAs and training camp comes on the horizon.
With this in mind, here are five critical observations from the Panthers’ 2022 offseason so far.
Critical Observation No. 1
Carolina Panthers changing staff approach
No sooner had the 2021 season come to a conclusion, Matt Rhule began wielding the ax when it comes to his coaching staff. Perhaps it was one last desperate move to save his own skin, but few would argue that this wasn’t needed when one considers how poor the Carolina Panthers were in key positional groups.
There appears to be a completely different method of approaching staff recruitment. Rhule has gone for individuals with legitimate NFL experience rather than acquiring from the college ranks – something that might help if their transitions to a different environment go smoothly.
Ben McAdoo, James Campen, and Chris Tabor are the newest arrivals, with a coach still needed for the defensive line, which is set to come in sooner rather than later. Although this slightly changes Rhule’s notion that his current process is “1,000 percent” working, it does provide some hope for 2022.