Which Carolina Panthers are heading into a crucial 2022 season for the organization in a make-or-break situation?
The stakes are high for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. Another season that promised much but delivered little means the pressure is well and truly on next time around and any further failings will surely see some landmark changes taking place this time next year.
Some were calling for such moves this offseason. Matt Rhule is a man under incredible pressure following his second-straight five-win season since arriving from Baylor, but team owner David Tepper decided to keep him around despite reportedly being embarrassed by the contract allocated to the head coach, according to Joe Person of The Athletic.
Year 3 is normally the time in college where Rhule demonstrated significant progress. If the Panthers get things right in the coming weeks, there could be an opening with Sean Payton leaving the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady set to retire.
With this in mind, here are five Panthers who will head into 2022 in a make-or-break situation.
Panther No. 1
Pat Elflein – Carolina Panthers C
Whether Pat Elflein is starting again or not in 2022 remains to be seen. But the encouraging transition back to the center position might mean he at least gets to fight for the gig again next time around.
The former third-round pick out of Ohio State is not a competent guard. Elflein is clearly more comfortable in the middle with the football in his hands pre-snap and considering Matt Paradis is out of contract and dealing with an ACL tear, he won’t get a better opportunity to solidify the position long-term.
There is a chance the Carolina Panthers strengthen this area of the field in free agency or the draft. However, if Elflein does get one last chance, it’s absolutely vital he makes the most of it.