What can the Carolina Panthers expect from 2022 schedule?

What can the Carolina Panthers expect from their 2022 schedule, which will make-or-break head coach Matt Rhule’s time with the organization?

It won’t be much longer before Carolina Panthers fans can start planning their trips and home tailgates in 2022. Although a few games have already been confirmed by the league and leaks are emerging with every passing hour, the NFL officially plans to release the full schedule later tonight ahead of what promises to be another incredible campaign.

The Panthers will be waiting with bated breath given how much is on the line next season. Especially for the team’s head coach Matt Rhule, who is on the hot seat after accumulating just 10 wins over his first two years in the role.

Carolina’s recruitment in free agency and the 2022 NFL Draft have been encouraging. Something that means Rhule has no more excuses regarding poor performance.

This offseason has been an extraordinary one across the league. The landscape has completely changed thanks to some jaw-dropping trades, Tom Brady’s unretirement, and a host of talented individuals signing for new teams when their contracts expired.

According to a recent article published by CBS Sports, the Panthers are tied-12th in terms of strength of schedule. Judging by who’ll they’ll face throughout the campaign, it’s not hard to see why.

Carolina Panthers 2022 home games

• Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions.

Carolina Panthers 2022 away games

• Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants.

Worrying about the opposition is never going to get the Panthers anywhere. Just start winning some games, building momentum, and the rest will take care of itself.

One of the most demoralizing elements of the previous campaign was how opposing fans took over Bank of America Stadium. A far cry from the 2010s when the place was absolutely rocking on a weekly basis.

Cheering losing football is difficult. Having a disconnect with the team is another thing that can only be solved by Rhule finally turning things around when competitive action begins.

In truth, it doesn’t really matter what games take place when.

At least not for the players or Rhule.

Simply put, now is the time for the Panthers to start proving their doubters wrong.

They have the talent despite remaining questions at the quarterback position, but unless Rhule himself cannot make his own adjustments, then it’s hard to envisage a situation where substantial progress is made.

Team owner David Tepper still believes in Rhule. Mapping out the schedule to see where wins could potentially come is just another step during an immensely important preparation period for the franchise.

Mediocrity or worse will no longer be tolerated. Some would argue that Rhule is fortunate to have another crack in 2022 after such a disastrous second season, so making the most of it is absolutely essential.

This is an exciting time of year for every NFL fan.

A time for hope, expectation, and the promise of new moments that will live long in the memory.

Nobody is expecting the Panthers to be contending for a Super Bowl. Not even the most optimistic supporters, in all honesty.

However, the schedule release officially puts the microscope on Carolina, its beleaguered head coach, and what could potentially be achieved if everything clicks into place.