4 ways Steve Wilks can transform the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
How can interim head coach Steve Wilks transform the Carolina Panthers for the rest of 2022 after replacing Matt Rhule this week?
The presence of Steve Wilks as interim head coach has already been a breath of fresh air. His no-nonsense approach to coaching is a far cry from the last three years under Matt Rhule, who was fired on Monday following another demoralizing defeat for the Carolina Panthers on home soil.
Rhule and everyone else saw it coming. But the task facing Wilks remains steep despite the obvious lift within Carolina’s loyal fanbase in recent days.
Wilks is sure to receive a baptism of fire at the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6. The defending Super Bowl champions might be going through some complications of their own, but they will be heavily favored to get back to winning ways at SoFi Stadium this weekend.
The former Arizona Cardinals head coach gets a 12-game audition for the top job long-term. Here are four ways Wilks can transform the Panthers during their remaining fixtures in 2022.
Way No. 1
Improve Carolina Panthers’ offense
Although Steve Wilks is renowned for being a defensive guru, it’s hard to look at the Carolina Panthers from an offensive standpoint and think he’ll just leave Ben McAdoo to his own devices. The scheme is bland and devoid of much innovation, which has to change no matter who’s manning the plate under center.
Wilks spoke about the importance of establishing themselves on first and second down, which has been non-existent to date. The coach is experienced enough to know what an effective offense looks like and the Panthers boast plenty of talent at the skill positions to make things happen.
Doing this at the Los Angeles Rams will be difficult. But there are 11 games after that so Wilks and McAdoo must get on the same page quickly.