4 Panthers players who haven’t matched offseason hype in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players haven’t matched their preseason hype during the 2022 campaign so far?
Preseason often comes with expectations most NFL teams cannot attain. This also proved true of the Carolina Panthers, who were tipped by many to be potential postseason contenders in Year 3 of Matt Rhule’s stint as head coach.
Some intriguing offseason additions, an improved coaching staff, and more familiarity with Rhule’s methods left reasons to be encouraged. However, it didn’t take long to realize most lofty projections surrounding the Panthers were going to be delusions of grandeur.
This is not a good team, or at least it wasn’t before Rhule was put out of his misery by team owner David Tepper. Interim head coach Steve Wilks is looking to restore pride back to Carolina football and boasts two wins to his name so far, but it remains to be seen whether he can do enough to win the job beyond the current campaign.
Without further ado, here are four Panthers players who haven’t lived up to their offseason hype in 2022 so far.
Player No. 1
Yetur Gross-Matos – Carolina Panthers DE
Yetur Gross-Matos was given a supreme vote of confidence by his coaches when they let Haason Reddick leave in free agency and propelled him into a starting spot. The former second-round pick looked capable of putting up solid numbers based on his rotational production, but the player’s performance levels so far are not normally associated with NFL-caliber defensive ends.
There’s been no consistent pressure from Gross-Matos this season. His inability to set the edge and provide assistance against the run is another detrimental area that needs significant work if the Carolina Panthers do keep faith in him beyond 2022.
Much will depend on who’s appointed head coach. But finding another option opposite Brian Burns could be among Carolina’s biggest priorities next spring.