4 remaining riddles the Carolina Panthers must solve ahead of 2022
By Dean Jones
![(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Sam Darnold (Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Sam Darnold](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fcatcrave-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F18497806-850x560-f6db547c1524247009005e217f60848517257c283671fa6e2f612f228d37a6d3.jpg)
What remaining riddles must the Carolina Panthers solve before their 2022 season gets underway against the Cleveland Browns?
After another rollercoaster offseason for the Carolina Panthers, the 2022 campaign is now in sight. Preparations will take another leap forward next week with the commencement of training camp in Spartanburg, which is set to be the strongest indicator yet of what this team can accomplish next season.
There have been changes aplenty within the coaching staff and across the roster this spring. Something that leaves some hope that things can finally propel upwards during a crucial third season for head coach Matt Rhule.
It won’t be a bed of roses, one suspects. And there are still plenty of doubts about whether or not the former Baylor man can become anything more than an expensive failure at this juncture.
With this in mind, here are four remaining riddles the Panthers must solve before the 2022 season begins.
Riddle No. 1
Who will be Carolina Panthers LS?
Matt Rhule will now want egg on his face after spurning the chance to strengthen problem areas in favor of drafting long-snapper Thomas Fletcher in the sixth round last year. A move that generated a lot of viral moments but offered little to the team in 2021.
Fletcher went on season-ending injured/reserve before final cuts were made. Considering how well J.J. Jansen performed once again, it would be a surprise if the Carolina Panthers didn’t turn to their longest-serving player for a 14th season.
Rhule’s pride might get in the way. But the Panthers must do what’s best for the team rather than focusing too much on egos.