Which Carolina Panthers players have the most to prove during a crunch Week 2 encounter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium?
There is plenty to concern Carolina Panthers fans after just one game of the 2022 season. A disappointing loss to an under-strength Cleveland Browns came from a slow start and some significant deficiencies on the defensive side, which means there is a lot of hard work ahead if this talented roster wants to fight their way back in the coming weeks.
The Panthers face another tricky test this weekend at the New York Giants, who appear galvanized under new head coach Brian Daboll and are coming off a superb victory at the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. If Carolina is not at the races from start to finish, it’s going to be another difficult afternoon.
All hope is not lost. Even if this did little to dispel the notion that Carolina will be nothing more than also-rans once again in 2022.
With that in mind, we picked out five Panthers players with the most to prove in Week 2 at the Giants.
Player No. 1
Damien Wilson – Carolina Panthers LB
There were major concerns surrounding Damien Wilson’s ability to provide consistency at the middle linebacker position even before his offseason arrest. But the former Super Bowl winner’s inept production in Week 1 didn’t even meet lowly expectations.
Wilson was lackluster in coverage and failed to become a force against the run. Something that proved crucial against a stout Cleveland Browns rushing attack that made the player and the Carolina Panthers pay for every error.
The veteran must shake this off and attempt to bounce back in Week 2. Whether he can do this versus Saquon Barkley is another matter.