4 critical factors that will determine successful Panthers season in 2022

Carolina Panthers must be durable

Durability is a major factor in whether this season’s team will be successful or not. If the Carolina Panthers can avoid any big injuries to their key players, they should be on a good track to have a winning season and potentially get into the playoffs.

On the other hand, if for some reason injuries start to pile up for some of their core players like Christian McCaffrey, Baker Mayfield, D.J. Moore, Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, Jeremy Chinn, Taylor Moton, or Jaycee Horn, there would be reasons to worry.

Injuries have plagued the Panthers in the past and eventually derailed their season. Cam Newton is a prime example. and unfortunately, the former NFL MVP never seemed to return to the level of play that the Carolinas were used to seeing.

McCaffrey is the lifeline of this team and their record is obviously better when he’s healthy. For the last two seasons, he has been unlucky when it comes to his durability and this could see a shift in direction in terms of how the Panthers deploy the All-Pro.

Horn broke his foot halfway through his third NFL game at the Houston Texans, which kept him out for the entire season. The former No. 8 overall selection is already on some comeback player of the year award watch lists and that should be exciting for fans.

Injuries are a part of the game. But if the Panthers don’t have to deal with too many big ones, the team could be playoff bound.