4 reasons the Carolina Panthers could exceed expectations in 2022
By Dean Jones
Things aren’t looking too promising for the Carolina Panthers heading into the new season, but there are reasons to suggest they could exceed expectations in 2022.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and romance of the offseason period. New players arrive and hope is renewed, but the Carolina Panthers have an exceptional amount of work to do if they want to be competitive in 2022.
Matt Rhule has overseen 10 wins over his first two seasons as head coach. The Panthers completely came off the rails last season after winning three straight to open the campaign, which left some wondering whether he was the right man for the job and others even calling for the head coach to be removed from his role.
For all Rhule’s faults, he has not lost the locker room or the confidence of David Tepper. But this should not detract from what a crossroads campaign awaits the former Baylor man next time around.
With this in mind, here are four reasons why the Panthers can push forward and exceed expectations in 2022.
Reason No. 1
Expectations couldn’t be much lower for the Carolina Panthers
Perhaps the biggest reason centers on the Carolina Panthers not having the greatest expectations, to begin with. Many in the national media have already written them off, which is unsurprising, but some are even placing them dead last in their preseason power rankings heading into the summer.
This is largely down to the questions at the quarterback spot and how things have gone for Rhule so far. Carolina’s over/under for wins next season is 5.5 according to WynnBET and anything lower than that would represent a significant underachievement with the talent at their disposal.
If everything comes together quickly for the Panthers, they can surpass some lowly projections. But just how much progress they can demonstrate is the million-dollar question.