4 key factors to monitor during Carolina Panthers 2022 preseason opener
By Dean Jones
What key factors should fans keep a close eye on when the Carolina Panthers take the field for their preseason opener this weekend?
With training camp and Fan Fest now in the rearview mirror, the focus immediately turns to the Carolina Panthers participating in their preseason schedule before the 2022 campaign. This is the best chance those in power have of deciphering what each player might be capable of in a competitive setting, which could prove to be the difference for many looking to earn roster spots when the time comes.
It appears as if most starting positions are locked up. The Panthers increased competition across almost every positional group this summer and it was reflected with high intensity during camp with jobs and statuses on the line.
Matt Rhule outlined his pleasure with how things went at Wofford College. The head coach won’t be giving much away from a scheme standpoint in Carolina’s warmup games, but it’s still an important part of the process before final cuts and their Week 1 opener against the Cleveland Browns.
With this in mind, here are four key factors to watch closely when the Panthers take the field at the Washington Commanders on Saturday.
Key Factor No. 1
Carolina Panthers OL continuity
Much was made about the Carolina Panthers tinkering with their starting offensive line unit in camp, although most of the expected first string were together prominently over the final few days. Given how many new faces could occupy spots in 2022, it’ll be interesting to see how much time they get on the field in Week 1 of the preseason.
While the Panthers need to develop cohesion across the protection, risking injuries is also something that the coaching staff will be keen to prevent. They might play a series or two, but it would be a shock to see anything more than that before Carolina embarks on joint practices with the New England Patriots.
Experienced figures such as Taylor Moton and Austin Corbett might not play at all. But the Panthers should get Ikem Ekwonu involved for his first taste of NFL action at some stage.