Predicting the Carolina Panthers next five games after 0-2 start in 2022

Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Carolina Panthers haven’t enjoyed the best of fortunes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since Tom Brady joined the organization. However, the air of invincibility surrounding the future Pro Football Hall of Famer isn’t what it once was at 45 years old.

That’s not to say Brady isn’t performing at a high level. Tampa Bay remains the NFC South favorites and could go deep into the postseason once again, but the Panthers can make things extremely uncomfortable at Bank of America Stadium providing they generate early momentum.

Prediction: Loss (1-6)

Whether that’s enough to get a morale-boosting victory against a team expected to be among the Super Bowl challengers is another matter.

Carolina Panthers 2022 record after seven games: 1-6

The harsh reality is setting in across Carolina’s fanbase. This is a team devoid of any real inspiration and cannot seem to execute effectively in key moments.

How the fanbase and team owner David Tepper would react to a 1-6 start when there was optimism to suggest moderate progression is undecided. But one suspects it’s unlikely to go down all that well after so much underachievement.

Matt Rhule would be on the brink in this scenario. Something that could force Tepper into drastic action in a bid to salvage another season’s wreckage on his watch.