4 things that must change for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers must adjust better during games
A complete capitulation from the Carolina Panthers after a 3-0 start in 2021 was nothing short of disastrous. Losing 12 of their final 14 contests was a damning indictment on head coach Matt Rhule, other coaches, and the players working under them throughout yet another campaign of mediocrity.
Rhule kept his job and was always confident in doing so despite many calls from fans and media to go in a different direction. David Tepper still has enough belief in his guy and at the end of the day, the billionaire’s opinion is the only one that matters right now.
If Rhule wants to avoid further speculation about his future, then he must also make improvements. Especially when it comes to reacting positively during games to benefit his team.
Over his first two years in the league, Rhule’s in-game adjustments have been non-existent. Something that’s seen production dip dramatically in the third quarter and made things extremely difficult for Carolina to emerge victoriously from games.
Teams were fully aware that if they could stick with the Panthers, then the advantage would be theirs after half-time. Rhule has to do a much better job of reacting to various in-game situations and keeping the opposition guessing.
Having coaches with legitimate NFL experience will hopefully help Rhule’s cause. If it doesn’t, then it will be another year of rumors surrounding his status long-term.