Things might not be going well right now, but there are many reasons to be positive about the Carolina Panthers’ long-term future.
It’s easy for fans to start looking to the future given the Carolina Panthers’ recent struggles. Even with major performance improvements under Steve Wilks, they find themselves at 2-6 and blew a huge opportunity to take control of the NFC South in Week 8 by letting things slip late at the Atlanta Falcons.
This was a game Carolina should have won, but didn’t. However, it was encouraging to see some fight from a talented group that seems to be enjoying a new lease of life under their interim head coach.
There is a lot of work ahead and big changes are clearly coming in 2023. After so much mismanagement of personnel under Matt Rhule, the margin for error is incredibly slim and something those in power must get right to smoothen the road back to relevancy.
With that in mind, here are four reasons to be positive about Carolina’s long-term future despite another failed season in the offing this year.
Reason No. 1
Carolina Panthers have huge draft capital
The Carolina Panthers decided to focus on the future by trading Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey for substantial draft capital. This gives them plenty of options in 2023 and beyond to build around cheap contracts and strengthen key positional groups.
According to Tankathon, the Panthers are slotted to have eight selections in the 2023 NFL Draft. Four of those are set to be in the top 105 right now after their deal with the San Francisco 49ers for McCaffrey.
General manager Scott Fitterer has an eye for college talent. So a strong draft next spring would set things up nicely for the Panthers long-term.
Carolina Panthers have a solid young core
Amid all the trade talk surrounding the Carolina Panthers since Matt Rhule was fired, there’s been a fierce desire within the front office to keep their top stars around. Albert Breer reported that the Los Angeles Rams came in with an offer consisting of two first-round selections for Brian Burns before the deadline which was rejected, signaling the intent to build around the core they have rather than completely blow everything up.
This is the right way to form a winning football team. The Panthers can no longer rely on high-profile gambles in the trade market, something which was prevalent and unsuccessful throughout Rhule’s disastrous three years with the franchise.
Scott Fitterer stated after trading Christian McCaffrey that building through the draft is now of paramount importance. Something the new head coach must also be on board with for a sustainable future in Carolina.
Both sides of the football boast young, gifted playmakers. With a few refinements in key positional groups like linebacker, wide receiver, and tight end, the Panthers might just be onto something.
Resisting the urge to trade away players such as Burns and Derrick Brown before the deadline indicates the Panthers feel that too. Yet another reason for the fanbase to look forward with optimism rather than pessimism.
Carolina Panthers get a head start on 2023 plans
Firing Matt Rhule after another demoralizing loss in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers was the right thing to do. The Carolina Panthers were going nowhere fast under his leadership and revelations from team sources in the immediate aftermath of his enforced departure painted an ugly picture of how things were being run behind the scenes.
This gives the Panthers a head start on planning for 2023 while also focusing on short-term improvements. Interim head coach Steve Wilks is getting a lengthy audition to win the job permanently and influential figures will also be scouring the NFL for potential interview candidates when permitted to submit their claims.
Not only this, but trading Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey give others a chance to shine. Something else that will form a key part of their planning next spring and potentially beyond.
Whether it’s Wilks or someone else, Carolina will likely have a concise plan in place to get back into playoff contention by the time an official head coaching announcement arrives. Had they delayed the inevitable regarding Rhule, it could have caused complications in the team’s thought process.
Panic is the last thing Carolina needs right now. Having additional time to prepare for a frantic period in the New Year provides stability and calmness when needed most.
Carolina Panthers have potential in the trenches
The hallmark of any good football team aside from having a productive quarterback is strength in the trenches. This has been an ongoing complication for the Carolina Panthers in recent years – especially on offense – but things are definitely looking up in 2022 after solid recruitment and outstanding development from those already on the roster.
Providing defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis and center Bradley Bozeman are extended this offseason, there are very few holes. Perhaps another edge rusher and improved depth would be welcome, but there is plenty of reasons for encouragement about these key areas.
Players such as Ikem Ekwonu, Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, and Brady Christensen are core foundational pieces. When one mixes in Taylor Moton, Austin Corbett, Bozeman, and Ioannidis, it’s not hard to see why the offensive and defensive lines can provide the anchors for a successful future.
David Tepper must realize his time as owner hasn’t been well perceived so far. Therefore, the billionaire has to alter his own approach and allow the football people to make football decisions, taking more of a back seat than he’s done previously.
The spine of the team is in place. If Ioannidis and Bozeman stick around, then expect the Panthers to continue thriving in the trenches long-term.