Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule has plenty to ponder after the team’s 2022 training camp came to a conclusion at Wofford College.
After an intense series of practices, the Carolina Panthers officially concluded their annual training camp in Spartanburg on Wednesday. Something that’s given head coach Matt Rhule and other influential figures within the organization a lot to think about heading into their three preseason games before competitive action arrives.
Rhule’s managed to run a professional camp this summer. There is the debate surrounding making players run gassers and just how this benefits them, but the introduction of experienced coaches seems to have provided the Panthers with enough direction to make strides.
There is an enormous amount of pressure on Rhule to get things right in 2022. Accumulating 10 wins over his first two seasons isn’t the greatest indication of things progressing as anticipated, so team owner David Tepper will want to see some sort of positive developments after ignoring calls for a change in direction from large sections of the team’s fanbase earlier this year.
After losing some weight and looking refreshed, Rhule also looks like a man confident in his team. This is a far cry from last summer and something that came across once their bright start completely evaporated after Christian McCaffrey began suffering further injury problems.
Carolina Panthers have some big decisions to make before Week 1
What comes next will be equally if not more important than the occurrences at Wofford College. Rhule and his staff must put together their initial depth chart in the coming days before determining how much time to give certain players throughout their upcoming warmup games.
Players like McCaffrey won’t see the field, or at least they shouldn’t. But if Rhule wants to continue the quarterback competition into next week as planned, then splitting reps at the Washington Commanders is a tricky proposition considering the need to also provide rookie Matt Corral with enough time under center.
Rhule will obviously seek the counsel of his coaches, especially those new to the franchise that brings a fresh set of eyes and perceptions. General manager Scott Fitterer and Dan Morgan will also be part of the process and it won’t be much longer before the Panthers must begin trimming their roster.
- August 16 – The roster must be cut to 85 players
- August 23 – The roster must be cut to 80 players
- August 30 – The roster must be cut to 53 players
It’s likely that Rhule and the Panthers have a clear idea of which players are going to make the team. Although all it will take is one big play or two from certain hopefuls during the preseason to provoke a discussion.
There are some obvious concerns about the pass-rushing depth and whether the Panthers have enough at middle linebacker. Carolina’s offensive line needs continuity and Rhule is also intent on keeping Sam Darnold in the team’s plans despite Baker Mayfield clearly being the better quarterback throughout camp.
Getting key decisions right at prominent positions has been a tough challenge for Rhule over the last two seasons. If the same happens this summer, then it’s going to do his chances of earning more time in the role no good at all.
Confidence is definitely higher than ever before regarding Carolina’s hopes. But if Rhule cannot get out of his own way, it’ll be a substantial problem.