The Carolina Panthers cannot get complacent despite notching their first win of the 2022 season against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.
The collective sigh of relief that enveloped Bank of America Stadium as the clock wound down to secure a first win in ten for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday was deafening. This was exactly what Matt Rhule needed after more speculation about his future leading up to the contest, so getting the monkey off his back could be the springboard needed to start generating positivity at long last.
Nobody expected Carolina to be among the contenders in 2022. There were far too many questions surrounding the roster and its coaching staff to think they could mix it with the bigger hitters, but fans are demanding some sort of progression after accumulating just 10 wins over Rhule’s opening two years in the job.
While the excitement is there and fans should enjoy that winning feeling, the Panthers mustn’t get too carried away. After all, it’s just one game, they are 1-2, and there are still 14 games left before their fate is sealed.
With this in mind, here are four ways the Panthers can avoid complacency after attaining their opening victory in 2022.
Reason No. 1
Carolina Panthers get another stern test in Week 4
Games come around thick and fast in the NFL. For the Carolina Panthers, another stern test awaits them in Week 4 when the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray come to town.
Arizona currently sits at 1-2 despite a spirited showing against the defending Super Bowl champions last weekend. They are still without wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins through suspension, but there is more than enough talent across the Cardinals’ roster to cause Carolina problems.
The Panthers are favored to triumph in this one according to FanDuel Sportsbook. But they would do well to ignore the outside noise and take nothing for granted.