Extremely early Carolina Panthers game-by-game 2022 record prediction

Carolina Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

A new era daws for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who no longer have Ben Roethlisberger under center after the quarterback confirmed his retirement after the 2021 campaign. Mitchell Trubisky was signed in free agency and the team also secured the services of Kenny Pickett via the draft to further boost their options.

Rebuilding is not something that Mike Tomlin has ever discussed this offseason. He demands nothing but the best from his players and it’s not like Roethlisberger was performing to a particularly stellar level with his powers regressing as a punishing career finally took its toll.

Pickett was obviously coveted highly by the Carolina Panthers during the evaluation process before they decided against taking the plunge. If everything goes well for the rookie, then he could be in a position to make those in power regret this choice on a field where he starred in the 2021 ACC Championship game.

This is a winnable game for the Panthers. But they have to match the Steelers’ physicality and make key moments count with the pressure well and truly on.

Week 15 Prediction: Loss (6-9)

The outcome of this one might come down to coaching. If this is the case, then Tomlin has a clear advantage over Matt Rhule.