What are some critical observations from the 2022 schedule release, which will have some big-time ramifications for the Carolina Panthers?
The moment all NFL fans have been waiting for arrived on Thursday when the league formally released its full schedule for the 2022 season. This is an exciting time of year as preparations for the new campaign ramp up, which promises to be a make-or-break one for the Carolina Panthers and head coach Matt Rhule after a troubling season last time around.
Carolina is projected to have the tied-12th toughest schedule, according to CBS Sports. But if Rhule wants to avoid further questions about his job status, the Panthers have to start as they did in 2021 and, more importantly, build on this momentum throughout.
It will be a significant challenge, one suspects. However, the Panthers have been quietly having a nice offseason in terms of recruitment, which means it’s not impossible by any stretch.
Without further ado, here are five critical observations from the Panthers’ 2022 schedule release.
Critical Observation No. 1
Carolina Panthers get a tough opening day test
It won’t take long to figure out just how far the Carolina Panthers have developed this offseason. The schedule pits the team at home to the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, who could be led by a quarterback that the organization coveted for more than a year.
Deshaun Watson held a meeting with the Panthers that reportedly went well before he joined the Browns, so this adds another element of fascination to a contest that could yet see Baker Mayfield also making his debut if a trade to Carolina takes place.
This is the perfect chance for the Panthers to make a statement. Whether they can accomplish such a task is another matter entirely.