What are the big storylines to watch when the Carolina Panthers take the field at Bank of America Stadium against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3?
It’s gameday No. 3 for the Carolina Panthers in 2022 and the stakes could not be higher. Matt Rhule’s men are currently holding the NFL’s longest losing streak at nine and some severe criticism has been handed to the coaching staff throughout the week to pile further pressure on the organization at the worst possible time.
The New Orleans Saints will be aiming to put one more nail in Rhule’s coffin at Bank of America Stadium during Carolina’s first divisional matchup of the campaign. Although many predicted a period of transition following the departure of head coach Sean Payton, their performances so far suggest another playoff spot could be in the offing if everyone stays clear of injuries.
This is arguably the biggest test of character for the Panthers Rhule took over from Ron Rivera in 2020. And there’s just no telling what the atmosphere might become with the stands if Carolina cannot show some semblance of competitiveness.
With that being said, here are four big Panthers storylines to watch in Week 3 versus the Saints.
Big Storyline No. 1
Carolina Panthers defense taking chances
Much has been made about the Carolina Panthers’ defense not creating a turnover through the opening two games. This was an area the team wanted to improve in 2022, so failing to impact this category as yet is disappointing.
Jameis Winston’s fondness for turning the football over is renowned. Something that should provide the Panthers with a chance or two for takeaways providing there is enough pressure generated by the front seven.
Winston and Alvin Kamara are both expected to play despite injury concerns. But it’s imperative Carolina’s defense ends their turnover drought to take some pressure from the offense.
Can the Carolina Panthers contain Cameron Jordan?
Cameron Jordan might not have a sack over the opening two games, but taking the defensive end lightly would be foolish. Especially considering the All-Decade veteran attained 3.5 sacks the last time he came up against the Carolina Panthers.
Jordan will fancy his chances of adding to his 107 career sacks versus Ikem Ekwonu this weekend. The first-round selection has endured some expected growing pains in the face of stern opposition including Myles Garrett and Leonard Williams, so how he handles this latest tough test will go a long way to determining whether the Panthers can end their concerning slump.
Ekwonu looked pretty comfortable in Week 2 after getting a rude awakening from Garrett. He did give up a critical sack late on, but consistency should continue to improve with more reps on the edge moving forward.
Carolina’s offensive line looks to be much improved – especially on the interior with Austin Corbett, Brady Christensen, and even Pat Elflein looking the part so far. However, the New Orleans Saints will likely pile plenty of pressure on Ekwonu, and head coach Dennis Allen is one of the league’s brightest defensive minds.
The Panthers would be wise to allocate Ekwonu some help in certain situations. If the North Carolina State product can contain Jordan, then it might make all the difference.
Will Carolina Panthers finally click on offense?
One of the biggest criticisms throughout a turbulent week has been the lack of invention and production on offense. The Carolina Panthers look vanilla and unable to counteract anything opposing defenses are doing during games, which puts offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo under the microscope in no uncertain terms.
It’s been a while since McAdoo held a prominent play-calling position. The game has changed a lot during that time and having such a predictable scheme with bland route concepts is holding the Panthers back right now.
Whether McAdoo has something else up his sleeve is anyone’s guess. There will be pressure to alter certain elements against a supremely gifted New Orleans Saints defense, but shifting things too much at this juncture has the scope to decrease familiarity between Baker Mayfield and his primary pass-catchers even further.
Mayfield has flashed real growth over the opening fortnight. But putting this together for a full game remains the biggest obstacle and if this cannot be achieved in Week 3, then the Saints have enough in their defensive arsenal on all three levels to take advantage.
Nobody knows more about what’s at stake than Mayfield. Perhaps the added urgency that comes with divisional games can be the key that sparks Carolina’s offense to finally click for prolonged periods.
Matt Rhule in the pressure cooker
The Carolina Panthers have once again displayed a united front this week. Players have come out in support of head coach Matt Rhule and in Robbie Anderson’s case, even criticized the fanbase that dares to boo such lackluster results after spending their hard-earned dollars to view a poor football product.
This has been prevalent throughout the Rhule era. While he receives ridicule from the national media and former players, the locker room remains confident in the head coach – at least publicly.
However, it’s hard to envisage a scenario where Rhule isn’t running out of time if the Panthers extended their losing streak to 10 games. The former Baylor man was seemingly on the hot seat heading into the campaign, so the pressure cooker could reach exponential levels should things get ugly once again at Bank of America Stadium.
Rhule knows excuses and talk of his process aren’t welcome at present. Improving results is all that matters and with three consecutive home games upcoming, the Panthers are entering a crossroads few weeks that could shape the future of the franchise.
The New Orleans Saints will know full well what an imposing start will to do the atmosphere within the stadium. Unless Rhule and the Panthers are prepared effectively and show a willingness to adapt to different situations, it’ll be another long afternoon.