6 burning questions Panthers fans are asking after Matt Rhule’s firing

Expectations for Carolina Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks

What changes are you expecting to see from the interim HC, Steve Wilks? Do you anticipate any changes in the style of play? For example, are we going to be a run-first offense?– Wilson

Thank you once more for another great question, Wilson.

First of all, I love that Steve Wilks is getting an opportunity to in some ways interview for the permanent head coach position for the rest of the season. I don’t believe he had a fair shot with the Arizona Cardinals in 2018.

As for my expectations, I still would like to see this team continue to play good, competitive football in all facets. Wilks is well-respected within the organization and players seem to support and love his coaching style.

Defensively, I don’t know what to expect. However, it would not surprise me to see Wilks and interim defensive coordinator Al Holcomb change their defense to a base 4-3 with some mix of Phil Snow’s original system. I do believe the Carolina Panthers have the personnel to accommodate these alterations.

Offensively, I don’t expect there to be any changes considering that Ben McAdoo is safe for the moment. Wilks did mention in his opening press conference that there are some things he’d like to do, schematically. Though, it is unclear if the offensive coordinator goes through with it or not. We’ll find out on Sunday at the Los Angeles Rams.

Wilks is a defensive-minded coach and I do believe he would like to run the ball and establish control. If that’s the case, maybe we do see more D’Onta Foreman touches.

Even so, I doubt there will be any major shifts. The Panthers are going to be stuck with the same unit that is currently ranked as the worst passing offense in most categories.