5 potential X-factors for the Carolina Panthers in 2022

Matt Rhule – Carolina Panthers HC

The biggest X-factor of all is Matt Rhule.

Can he become an NFL-caliber head coach?

Can he inspire confidence across the roster and within the fanbase?

Can he make the improvements needed to ease pressure on his job?

The truth is, nobody knows for sure. But in fairness to Rhule, he’s surrounded himself with good coaches this offseason, recruited well more often than not and is taking a different approach with his players in pursuit of the Carolina Panthers finally meeting modest expectations in 2022.

Obviously, talk is cheap. What supporters want to see after so much failure is winning football in a manner that excites them. Something the Panthers haven’t had since the mid-2010s when Cam Newton was at the peak of his powers.

Rhule’s program building at the college level normally made strides in Year 3. This probably played a role in team owner David Tepper giving the former Baylor man another shot, even if there isn’t much evidence to suggest it’s possible in the NFL.

Some have already made their mind up about Rhule, which is fine and justified after just 10 wins over his first two seasons. But outside of one or two problem positions that could hold Carolina back, things might not be as bad as many anticipate next season.