How will the Carolina Panthers fare over their next five games after starting the 2022 season indifferently with an 0-2 record?
It has been anything but dull where the Carolina Panthers are concerned in 2022. But another dismal performance at the New York Giants means the pressure is well and truly on for everyone associated with the organization.
This is the year when real progression was anticipated. Matt Rhule‘s track record in Year 3 at Temple and Baylor coupled with a solid offseason meant things looked promising for Carolina, although starting with an 0-2 record is nothing short of disastrous.
The Panthers have their work cut out making strides in the coming weeks during a brutal stretch. But they can take some heart from most games being at Bank of America Stadium, which could prove decisive.
With this in mind, we took a look at how Carolina might get on over the next five contests, which will make or break their 2022 campaign.
Week 3
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints
Sean Payton might not be their head coach anymore, but the New Orleans Saints have already proven themselves as a competitive outfit over the season’s early stages. Dennis Allen has a talented group that could enter the postseason discussion if everyone stays clear of injuries, so this is another stern test for the Carolina Panthers on home soil.
The Panthers split the series with New Orleans in 2021. If Matt Rhule wants to achieve the same feat this time around, then getting one over on their NFC South rivals in Week 3 is crucial.
Prediction: Loss (0-3)
Jameis Winston is dealing with a back injury. However, the Saints’ defense has been phenomenal so far this season and this could make all the difference in this divisional matchup.
Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Another home game for the Carolina Panthers sees the Arizona Cardinals come to town. It’s been a mixed bag for Kliff Kingsbury’s men so far in 2022, with immense pressure on quarterback Kyler Murray to take the next step after getting a bumper new contract this offseason.
Ironically, the Panthers managed to overcome the odds to defeat Arizona on the road in 2021 during Cam Newton’s sensational comeback. Things unraveled almost immediately after, but Matt Rhule can take some comfort from that display in pursuit of similar fortunes this season.
There is no Newton to provide a spark after the Panthers opted not to bring back the former NFL MVP this spring. That task now falls on Baker Mayfield, who’s made a solid impression overall during the opening two games following his trade from the Cleveland Browns.
The Cardinals have playmakers on both sides of the football that can make things happen. But they won’t have the benefit of All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins as he continues to play out a six-game suspension.
Prediction: Win (1-3)
Looking at how the Cardinals came back at the Las Vegas Raiders thanks to an incredible display from Murray, this is a stretch perhaps. It’s also worth remembering that the Panthers have a good record against Arizona in recent years, which should give them some hope.
Carolina Panthers vs. San Francisco 49ers
At least from a schematic standpoint, the Carolina Panthers don’t look well matched in Week 5. Kyle Shanahan’s squad implement a ferocious running attack capable of inflicting damage at will, which could be a potential complication for Phil Snow’s defense given their lack of consistency in this key area.
With that being said, Carolina is at home and will fancy their chances. The San Francisco 49ers were dealt a devastating blow in Week 2 when quarterback Trey Lance suffered a season-ending injury, meaning Jimmy Garoppolo will now lead them after generating little trade interest this offseason.
Garoppolo looked comfortable within the system during San Francisco’s win over the Seattle Seahawks. They also possess a supreme running game to rely on even without Elijah Mitchell.
San Francisco has the benefit of an exceptional offensive line to plow the road and provide Garoppolo with enough time to do what he does best – manage games effectively and get his primary weapons the football quickly.
Prediction: Loss (1-4)
This looks like a step too far for the Panthers at this stage of their development. But if they take advantage of Garoppolo’s questionable decision-making on occasions, they have a chance.
Carolina Panthers at Los Angeles Rams
The big test. A chance for the Carolina Panthers to prove doubters wrong and establish themselves as a potential force.
Going to the defending Super Bowl champions is a daunting prospect, there’s no getting away from that. Sean McVay’s team has an abundance of talent at their disposal once again in 2022 and even though they were soundly beaten by the Buffalo Bills on opening night, it would be a surprise if the Los Angeles Rams weren’t in the thick of things once again.
Carolina will have absolutely no expectations in this one. Anything positive they can generate from their visit to SoFi Stadium would be welcome, but their hopes of pulling off a major upset appear bleak at this juncture.
The Panthers on paper are no match for the Rams. But football is not played on paper and this sort of atmosphere under no pressure to get a result could see a more relaxed approach from the players and head coach Matt Rhule.
Just how much that would assist is anyone’s guess. Although based on Carolina’s current trajectory, it wouldn’t hurt in the slightest.
Prediction: Loss (1-5)
Los Angeles has the firepower to cause the Panthers endless problems. However, if the visitors can keep this closer than many anticipated, it could be a huge confidence boost as we approach the midway point of the 2022 campaign.
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.