How will the Carolina Panthers fare over the second half of the 2022 season, which has been a rollercoaster campaign so far?
The Carolina Panthers are about to embark on the second half of their 2022 campaign. It’s been another turbulent season for the organization so far, with more complications at the quarterback position, head coach Matt Rhule’s firing, and trading two established stars – Christian McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson – before the deadline.
More importantly, the Panthers are sitting at 2-7 and going nowhere for the fourth-straight season. Interim head coach Steve Wilks is trying hard to get them trending in the right direction, but the problems are deep-rooted and might take years to rectify based on what we’ve witnessed through nine games.
Some fans are hoping more of the same comes along over their remaining fixtures as they wish for a top 2023 NFL Draft pick and the prospect of drafting a franchise quarterback at long last. However, Wilks and his players are also fighting for their jobs, so rolling over is absolutely out of the question.
It promises to be a fascinating few weeks before Carolina’s eventual fate is decided. Here’s how could the Panthers fare over the second half of 2022.
Week 10:
Carolina Panthers vs. Falcons
A quick turnaround from their embarrassing loss at the Cincinnati Bengals is probably a good thing for the Carolina Panthers. Thursday’s contest against the Atlanta Falcons also happens to be their only nationally televised game in 2022 and will feature the all-black uniform/helmet combination to further increase intrigue.
The Panthers should have beaten Atlanta in Week 8 before a series of errors late. Couple this with the added urgency in the media spotlight, and it could be enough for Carolina to get their campaign back on track.
Prediction: Win (3-7)
This is projected more in hope than expectation. But the Panthers proved they can mix it with the Falcons, although the presence of returning running back Cordarrelle Patterson cannot be ignored.
Carolina Panthers at Ravens
Of all the remaining games facing the Carolina Panthers in 2022, this is undoubtedly the most daunting. A trip to the Baltimore Ravens is tough enough at the best of times, but John Harbaugh’s men will also be fully healed and rested coming off their bye week for good measure.
This represents a challenge of epic proportions for the Panthers. Baltimore looks primed for a deep postseason run and is currently the only team to hold a 10-point lead in every contest this season, which represents a significant achievement and one that can propel them to bigger things once they return from their well-earned period of recuperation.
Lamar Jackson is among the NFL MVP candidates after betting on himself during the offseason. This was a shrewd business decision from the quarterback, who’s likely to get a record-breaking contract from the Ravens or elsewhere in the not-too-distant future.
This looks like a mismatch almost everywhere on the field. Perhaps some insider knowledge from former Raven and current Panthers center Bradley Bozeman will help, but it might not change the overall outcome.
Prediction: Loss (3-8)
Carolina overcoming the Ravens would represent the biggest upset of the season by a considerable margin. However, it does appear highly unlikely unless a miracle occurs over the next fortnight.
Carolina Panthers vs. Broncos
With their Week 13 bye in sight, the Carolina Panthers welcome Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos to Bank of America Stadium. Things might not have gone according to plan for Nathaniel Hackett so far, but there were slight signs of life against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London and this is a threat Steve Wils must take seriously on home soil.
Hackett looks out of his depth to a certain extent. Wilson’s big trade from the Seattle Seahawks and the subsequent massive contract don’t look like the best investment right now, but all that could change down the stretch despite trading star edge rusher Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins.
The Panthers should see this as a winnable game, and rightfully so. However, the Broncos still possess playmakers on both sides of the football, and in Patrick Surtain Jr., they have arguably the NFL’s best young shutdown cornerback.
Taking the Broncos lightly is not an option for Carolina, who aren’t exactly setting the league on fire themselves. But if they can get off on the front foot, it might be enough to rattle Wilson and cause Hackett into the questionable in-game management we’ve seen throughout 2022 so far.
Prediction: Win (4-8)
Again, it’s hard to say one way or another if the Panthers are capable of beating anybody in their current state. Others will need to step up offensively if D.J. Moore gets Surtain’s undivided attention, but another triumph is possible.
Carolina Panthers at Seahawks
The bye week cannot come soon enough for everyone associated with the Carolina Panthers. For players and staff, it’s a chance to refresh and work on specific issues in the hope of finishing the season strongly.
For fans, it’ll be nice to have a break from Panthers football. Albeit briefly.
This will be swiftly followed by a trip to the Seattle Seahawks. Pete Carroll‘s men are one of the league’s surprise packages without question thanks to efficient coaching, building around their young core, and the rags-to-riches story of quarterback Geno Smith.
Carroll is among the NFL Coach of the Year frontrunners. He’s proved there is life beyond Russell Wilson and leading many to believe a potential playoff spot could be attained this season against all odds.
The Panthers also have to tackle one of the loudest stadiums anywhere in the country. Seattle’s 12th man is renowned for making things extremely difficult, which P.J. Walker or whoever is starting under center by this point must be fully prepared for.
Prediction: Loss (4-9)
This was once a contest that Carolina probably identified as one they could potentially win on the road. But a lot has changed since then and the Seahawks are likely to send Steve Wilks home unhappy when it’s all said and done.
Carolina Panthers vs. Steelers
Facing the Pittsburgh Steelers is clearly not the tough prospect it was in seasons past. This is an organization going through a transitional period after Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, which looks set to give head coach Mike Tomlin his first-ever losing season since taking the job.
Much has been made about Pittsburgh’s lack of consistency at the quarterback position. Mitchell Trubisky didn’t make the most of another starting opportunity and even though Kenny Pickett has flashed, the jury is still out as to whether or not he can become a productive NFL starter.
This could lead Tomlin back into the quarterback pool in 2023 if things don’t improve. If it wasn’t for the Steelers’ defense in 2022, there’s just no telling how bad things would be for a once-proud franchise that appears way behind others in the AFC North at present.
With that being said, any team coached by Tomlin demands a certain level of respect. The Carolina Panthers are going through their own problems, but if Steve Wilks and his staff game plan well for this encounter, they can emerge with a fifth victory of the campaign.
Prediction: Win (5-9)
Realistically speaking, this one could go either way. Stopping the Steelers’ run game will be crucial to the overall outcome and if the Panthers can successfully do this, a win won’t be too far behind.
Carolina Panthers vs. Lions
Although the Detroit Lions are once again among the NFL’s bottom feeders after so much hope of genuine progression prior to the 2022 season, they are still fighting hard for head coach Dan Campbell. And judging by their shock victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 9, they aren’t a million miles away.
The Lions’ offense was prolific earlier in the season. That doesn’t appear the case right now, but players like D’Andre Swift and Amon-Ra St. Brown are more than capable of turning any game on its head with early momentum.
Trading away stud tight end T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings was seen as Detroit throwing in the towel, to a certain degree. However, last weekend quashed this notion, and finishing on a high is the only way Campbell is going to get another year to turn this program around.
The Carolina Panthers will be doing everything in their power to end their home slate on a positive note. It’s been another dismal season overall, but sending fans away from Bank of America Stadium with some added festive cheer on Christmas Eve is imperative.
Prediction: Loss (5-10)
This looks like a banana skin for the Panthers. One that could end up in defeat if complacency becomes an issue in the face of opposition that is supposedly inferior to the options at Carolina’s disposal.
Carolina Panthers at Buccaneers
Ending the season with two road games against NFC South rivals represents a sink-or-swim situation for the Carolina Panthers. They aren’t playing for anything other than pride at this juncture, but that doesn’t mean players and certain coaches aren’t still fighting for their own job security over the final fortnight.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are clearly going through some turmoil. Things aren’t clicking in the same manner under head coach Todd Bowles, with quarterback Tom Brady dealing with performance issues alongside his personal life struggles, which are now well documented.
Carolina easily disposed of the Bucs earlier this season, restricting Brady to just three points during a dominant display. Achieving something similar again might be difficult, especially if Tampa Bay is still in the divisional hunt by this point as expected.
The Bucs showed signs of life to secure a late win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9. If this provides the spark to better fortunes, then it could be another long afternoon for the Panthers in their penultimate fixture of 2022.
Prediction: Loss (5-11)
This looks like a step too far for the Panthers. Especially if there is the added incentive of playoff football for the Bucs.
Carolina Panthers at Saints
The Carolina Panthers round off another season of underachievement with a visit to the New Orleans Saints. This has not exactly been the happiest hunting ground for Steve Wilks’ squad in recent years.
It’s not the same Saints team that had a firm grip on the NFC South during the days of Sean Payton and Drew Brees. And what makes things worse for New Orleans is that they are giving up their 2023 first-rounder – likely to be top-10 – to the Philadelphia Eagles after their high-profile trade last spring.
Wilks could also be embarking on his final game as Panthers’ interim head coach. He’s had an extended audition for the role long-term, but much will depend on how team owner David Tepper perceives his progression and how encouragingly players have responded to more professional methods.
Prediction: Loss (5-12)
Another losing season is almost assured for the Panthers. But five wins could put them out of reach of the top-two quarterback prospects entering the league in 2023.
There are others outside of Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud that provide intrigue. However, none of these are likely to start right away and that represents a potential complication for any incoming head coach if Wilks doesn’t win the job.
It’s going to be a long road back for the Panthers. Just how long will be dependent on the moves made during one of the most important offseasons in franchise history.