4 pivotal Carolina Panthers storylines to watch at Falcons in Week 8

Opportunity knocks for the Carolina Panthers

Yes, the Carolina Panthers find themselves in football’s weakest division right now. But that does not detract from the significant opportunity awaiting them in Week 8.

Fans have had almost nothing prolonged to cheer in recent years. The Matt Rhule era won’t be remembered fondly, but the professional presence of Steve Wilks as interim head coach has given everyone associated with the organization a huge lift when needed most.

Wilks is a no-nonsense figure that players are clearly gravitating towards. Getting his first win last weekend was a major plus, but building on this is the next huge challenge for the new man in charge and if Carolina got themselves into first along the way, there’s just no telling what can be accomplished.

It could all go horribly wrong. Something that was evident throughout Rhule’s tenure and especially if the likes of Jaycee Horn and Donte Jackson aren’t at 100 percent.

However, their current situation brings an added sense of urgency that wasn’t there previously.

Some fans are still looking at the bigger picture and the potential of losing a high-end draft pick and a shot at drafting someone like Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud. But if any team has the chance to claim bragging rights atop their division, they’d be foolish not to do everything to attain it.

Win now, worry about the rest later. And with Wilks looking to convince team owner David Tepper he’s worthy of the head coaching gig long-term, he’ll be demanding nothing but the highest effort and standards from his roster.