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.
Carolina Panthers’ offense is in shambles
After the appointment of Ben McAdoo as offensive coordinator and trading for Baker Mayfield from the Cleveland Browns, the Carolina Panthers were rightfully expecting significant strides from their offense in 2022. To say this hasn’t occurred yet would be the biggest understatement imaginable.
While the defense and special teams improve, the offensive side of the football continues to be a weak link. And for once, not much blame can be placed on the protection, which has been outstanding more often than not over the campaign to date.
McAdoo’s scheme is outdated and too predictable. There is almost no pre-snap motion, carelessness when it comes to the utilization of Carolina’s primary weapons, and a distinct lack of creativity during a disastrous opening to 2022.
That’s not to say Mayfield isn’t without blame, either. The former Oklahoma standout is hesitant and there are some serious timing issues that don’t seem to be getting any better week-to-week.
Thankfully, the Panthers have Christian McCaffrey picking up the slack. Even so, this is still one of – if not the worst – offensive unit in the NFL.
This has been something of a surprise considering the personnel available to Carolina. McAdoo is in the firing line in no uncertain terms, but whether or not the play-caller is too set in his ways to make the alternations needed is another matter.
Carolina Panthers OL consistency
The Carolina Panthers wasted no time in making substantial improvements to their offensive line this spring. Getting this unit gelling together quickly was going to be a steep challenge for new coach James Campen, but after an indifferent opening against the Cleveland Browns, the consistency overall is a hugely positive element to emerge from the opening four weeks.
This is music to the ears of fans who’ve been subjected to some pathetic protection in recent years. Now, there is real hope this group can become the cornerstone for future success.
Austin Corbett has fitted in seamlessly at the right guard position and Brady Christensen is also growing into the interior superbly on the left-hand side. Perhaps the most surprising element of all is the performance of Pat Elflein, who started over Bradley Bozeman and has done nothing to suggest this was the wrong call as yet.
Taylor Moton doesn’t seem to be moving as well as he has in recent years. This could be down to a knee problem, but the Western Michigan product is a proven performer that should pick things up as the campaign goes on.
Then there is Ikem Ekwonu, Carolina’s first-round pick who has responded incredibly well after getting a rude awakening from stud edge rusher Myles Garrett on his NFL debut. The No. 6 overall selection is steadily improving with each passing game, which bodes well for the future in pursuit of finally becoming the Panthers’ long-term blindside answer.
Carolina’s offense is going through severe complications. But for once, the offensive line cannot be held accountable.
Carolina Panthers have the same problems
This was supposed to be the year that head coach Matt Rhule finally got the Carolina Panthers to a competitive place. Perhaps even sneaking into a wildcard spot if everything went better than expected.
That might still be the case. But through four weeks of the 2022 season, it’s proving to be yet another unmitigated disaster for the former Baylor man.
The Panthers just haven’t been able to get themselves over the line in key moments. What’s more frustrating is the same complications seem to be holding them back and there is no development transpiring from many players drafted by the current regime.
Rhule and the Panthers have just one win from their last 10 games dating back to last season. They are 1-25 when an opposing offense scores more than 17 points, which is simply unacceptable and not befitting a successful NFL franchise.
Time is running out for Rhule regardless of whether he has David Tepper’s full support or not. Most fans are already done with his methods and lack of adjustments in games or during game week preparations, with the coach already being linked with some vacancies at the college level given his current job status.
Most scapegoats for Carolina’s failings under Rhule have already been removed from the equation. If Rhule cannot make a better go of things during a tricky series of games leading up to their Week 13 bye, then that might be all Tepper needs to cut his $62 million experiment short.