5 dream scenarios for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
What are some dream scenarios that the Carolina Panthers will be hoping for during a crossroads 2022 season for the franchise?
Things are hanging in the balance in 2022 regarding the Carolina Panthers and their chances of finally putting together a winning season.
Just 15 triumphs over the last three seasons aren’t the biggest indicator that things have progressed according to the script of late. So the margin for error is now incredibly slim for a team that has been one of the NFL’s bottom feeders since owner David Tepper bought the franchise from Jerry Richardson.
An encouraging offseason of recruitment added to an already strong roster that is capable of performing much better than they have been. It won’t be easy given their strength of schedule, so things must come together quickly in training camp before the Panthers take the field in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns at Bank of America Stadium.
With this in mind, here are five dream scenarios for the Panthers that could see the team surprise people in 2022.
Dream Scenario No. 1
Ikem Ekwonu becomes an instant problem-solver for the Carolina Panthers
Even though expectations are through the roof for Ikem Ekwonu after the Carolina Panthers selected the left tackle at No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, it would be wise to err on the side of caution given how rookies do tend to go through some growing pains.
Ekwonu will have his hands full right from the outset. But if the North Carolina State product adjusts quickly and makes improvements, then this has the scope to be a revolutionary figure for the Panthers and something they haven’t had on the blindside for nearly a decade.
If Ekwonu can become an instant game-changer, it would be a dream. One that could see the offensive line become one of the league’s most improved if everyone else also lives up to their billing.