5 dream scenarios for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers get competent in-game management from Matt Rhule
One of the main problems surrounding Matt Rhule‘s tenure as head coach of the Carolina Panthers so far has been during games. Experienced coaches and those with a progressive mindset have gotten the better of him in no uncertain terms and this simply has to change ahead of a critical Year 3 in the job.
Rhule can come out and say the right things all he likes. Carolina’s loyal fanbase has heard plenty of empty promises and had the process shoved down their necks for some time now, but progression on the field is all that matters in 2022.
There is enough talent across the roster for Carolina to make improvements. But the onus will be on Rhule to learn from his mistakes and become a better game manager.
This is something that’s cost the team dearly over the last two years. The Panthers didn’t seem prepared more often than not and even when they were in the ascendancy at half-time, almost no adjustments led to some inept third-quarter production in almost every contest.
Rhule still has the confidence of team owner David Tepper, who ignored calls from fans and the media to remove the former Baylor man from the equation after yet another five-win campaign.
Whether this was a matter of pride or not is up for debate. But all hope is not lost for Rhule providing he leans on a new coaching staff with legitimate NFL experience and starts producing better judgment calls in a competitive setting.