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.
Turn Carolina Panthers into a complete unit
There have been some moments of magic on defense and special teams through five weeks. But the inept production on offense has caused major complications overall and this is something Steve Wilks has to rectify.
Turning the Carolina Panthers into a complete unit – one that is competitive in all three phases – is the only way to transform this sorry situation. Whether it was personnel or coaching remains to be seen, but the common denominator in the team’s failings is no longer around, meaning it won’t take long to figure out.
Wilks discussed the importance of this during his Wednesday media availability. Talk is pretty cheap to the fans after so many failed promises from Matt Rhule, but they can relax safe in the knowledge their interim head coach is a man of action.
As stated previously, the talent is there outside of some major concerns at the quarterback position. Adopting a collective approach would be the best course of action ahead of some tough games before Wilks’ own future is sealed one way or another.
David Tepper appeared highly confident in Wilks, and with good reason. He also wasted no time in removing coaches loyal to Rhule in pursuit of smoothing the transition with time at a premium.
Tweaking things is inevitable. And hopefully, the players can take on this information quickly with a view to hitting the ground running.
Restore confidence in the Carolina Panthers locker room
Although the players were portraying a united front in front of the media, it’s hard to deny that confidence wasn’t becoming a major issue as the losses piled up. Couple this with a perceived reduction in intensity during their loss against the San Francisco 49ers according to David Tepper and it proved to be the final nail in Matt Rhule’s coffin.
The Carolina Panthers haven’t had much to shout about lately. One of the biggest challenges facing Steve Wilks is restoring confidence in the locker room and getting this young team to believe in themselves once again.
Easier said than done at this stage. But it could be the spark that ignites Carolina to some improved performances with higher intensity.
This was evident on Wednesday when Wilks opted for a full padded practice that got everyone motivated and flying around. Whether the Panthers win more football games or not matters, but just showing a little more fight would be an immensely positive step in the right direction.
Wilks has been around winning football in the Carolinas before. This team might not have Cam Newton, Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly, or Greg Olsen, but there is more than enough potential for them to be competitive in the face of top-class opposition.
That should enhance confidence in itself. If they were to get a few surprising wins, that’s just a bonus.
Bring back the Carolina Panthers’ culture
Much was made about Matt Rhule’s process and brand. However, these catchy slogans had no substance whatsoever and couldn’t mask the fact he was simply out of his depth at the NFL level.
That’s not to say Rhule won’t be a success in college again. But his controlling approach was never going to work and the Carolina Panthers mercifully ended his tenure before things got worse.
Thankfully, Steve Wilks knows what the Panthers’ culture is. He was in a prominent coaching position during some of the franchise’s greatest moments and coming from the area, knows the organization inside out.
Wilks wasted no time in bringing up the Keep Pounding mantra and its importance during his opening presser. Stating that this is the attitude Carolina must have to get themselves out of a deeply concerning rut.
"“I want to be a part of trying to turn this thing around. My history with this organization before is when we won three straight NFC South Championships, so I know what it takes. I’ve been around when it’s good. I’ve been to a Super Bowl. Yes, we do have a lot of young guys, but we’re at the point in our season that it’s about Keep Pounding. In order for us to turn this around, that’s the mindset that we have to have.”"
It’s time for the Panthers to get back to basics. Back to the fabric of the franchise and everything it stands for.
Wilks might not get the job long-term with many other prominent candidates worthy of consideration. But make no mistake, the team’s culture and pride will be restored by the time his 12 games at the helm are over.
And who knows, that might be enough.