Will new approach propel Panthers young core to greater heights?

Could a shift in approach by the Carolina Panthers propel the team’s young core to greater heights during the 2022 season?

The Carolina Panthers need a spark from somewhere. Things have been trending on a downward curve ever since their memorable run to the Super Bowl in 2015 and unless everything comes together rapidly this summer, then it’s hard to envisage the team making any sort of impression next season.

After losing 12 of their final 14 contests last time out, a period of self-reflection from head coach Matt Rhule, the coaches that weren’t fired, and the players who failed to produce the goods was absolutely essential. Changes were obviously needed not only to personnel but how the Panthers approached their preparations this offseason and during a typical gameday week to secure better results on the field.

This is something that Rhule has also recognized. The former Baylor man has made no secret about his desire to take a more personal approach with his players since the 2021 campaign came to a conclusion, with the under-pressure figure also leaning on his veterans heavily to guide a talented young core in the right direction.

Carolina Panthers looking to become more player-centric in 2022

Strong evidence of these changes has been evident throughout Carolina’s mandatory minicamp so far. While those with a little more experience aren’t taking part in practice drills, what Rhule is getting them to do is lend a leading voice from the sidelines to get those members of the roster still making their way in the game up to the required standard.

Whether this added responsibility will provide improvements where it counts has yet to be determined. But according to outside linebacker Shaq Thompson, it’s something that veteran players are taking very seriously.

"“We’ve got to get them up to our level. Once that happens, the sky’s the limit. Rhule definitely wants us to be a player-driven team. He’s letting us do a lot more, letting us control a lot more.”"

It wasn’t just vets on the team occupying these roles on Tuesday. The Panthers even had second-year-pro Jaycee Horn working in this capacity despite his 2.5 games of NFL experience to call upon.

Any help is obviously welcome. The presence of a revamped coaching staff with head coaching experience should also assist the Panthers ahead of and during the upcoming season.

Becoming more personable will be key for Rhule, too. There’s been a sense of the head coach having absolute power on all decisions within the organization as per his contract, so relinquishing some responsibilities in pursuit of changing the culture might sound small, but it could make a huge difference.

The stakes could not be much higher for the Panthers in 2022. Everything is going well behind the scenes this offseason, but any more underachievement or worse could see some big-time changes across the board given that team owner David Tepper has yet to celebrate a winning season since buying the franchise for $2.2 billion from Jerry Richardson.

That is for the future. What’s important for the Panthers right now is making sure their young studs are ready to make their presence felt and ensuring they are fully prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.

If they can do this and veterans also continue to meet high standards, Carolina might just have a chance.