4 false narratives surrounding the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers are the NFL’s worst team
Expectations are relatively modest for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. The fans are definitely anticipating some sort of progress in the third year of Matt Rhule’s tenure, but this is not a sentiment echoed by most in the national media.
Some preseason power rankings, including the one over at ESPN, have the Panthers at No. 32 – dead last. This is primarily based on Rhule being on the hot seat and their ongoing complications at the quarterback position that could hold them back when it’s all said and done.
Based on the talent across the roster, this is false. Although the prospect of additional struggles cannot be ruled out entirely depending on what transpires before Carolina takes the field in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns.
If one takes away the questions under center and works on the premise that Rhule can lean on a coaching staff with legitimate experience, then things might be looking up. Even though the situation is pretty precarious due to the quarterback’s importance in the modern-day NFL.
It’s unlikely that the Panthers will be propping up the power rankings when push comes to shove. If they are, then team owner David Tepper could be forced into some monumental changes this time next year.