4 surprising factors during first quarter of Panthers 2022 season
By Dean Jones
What are the most surprising factors to emerge from the first quarter of what’s been a poor 2022 season for the Carolina Panthers so far?
It’s been yet another rollercoaster season for the Carolina Panthers and with little to cheer for its long-suffering fanbase. The team currently sits at 1-3 after four contests, which is a major underachievement when one considers the standard of opposition facing Matt Rhule and his roster before things get much tougher later in the campaign.
Just what the Panthers can accomplish moving forward remains to be seen. Some encouraging elements have emerged through four weeks, but ongoing issues remain and without much practice time to figure them out, things might get worse before they get better.
The San Francisco 49ers and its No. 1 ranked defense are next up. Another significant challenge that Carolina must be ready for in front of their increasingly impatient support at Bank of America Stadium.
High stakes remain for the Panthers, there’s no doubt about that. With that in mind, here are the most surprising factors to emerge from the opening quarter of 2022.
Surprising Factor No. 1
Frankie Luvu’s astonishing start
Hopes were high that Frankie Luvu would step up with increased responsibilities in 2022. But few within the Carolina Panthers probably anticipated such an exceptional start to life as a key member on defense.
Luvu has been the life and soul at the second level. The outside linebacker is around the football consistently, creating turnovers, and also emerging as a leading force in the locker room for good measure.
The former Washington State star has been arguably Carolina’s best overall player through the first quarter of 2022. That’s how good Luvu is and long may it continue.