4 Carolina Panthers players who deserve more credit in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players deserve more credit for their outstanding efforts during the 2022 season so far?
It’s been a tale of two halves for the Carolina Panthers this season. There are the five games before Matt Rhule was fired and the contests under interim head coach Steve Wilks, which have been far more positive.
Wilks is staking a strong claim to win the job beyond 2022. His desire to return Carolina football to its core ethos has been well received by players and fans alike, with their win on Thursday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons representing another positive step forward for an organization that was heading into the abyss under Rhule’s leadership.
Whether this is sustainable down the stretch is anyone’s guess. Nobody can say for sure given the team’s recent trajectory, but there is now hope things are finally progressing under legitimate NFL coaches at long last.
This doesn’t happen without a full collective effort. With this in mind, here are four Panthers players who deserve more credit for their efforts in 2022 so far.
Player No. 1
Johnny Hekker – Carolina Panthers P
When the Carolina Panthers signed Johnny Hekker, it was seen as a coup despite the Los Angeles Rams deeming their legendary punter surplus to requirements. However, the All-Decade performer has proven there is still plenty of life in those legs yet.
Hekker’s ability to flip the field has been notable throughout the campaign. Considering how poorly the offense was performing before Matt Rhule’s removal, this was absolutely essential and something that the team is benefitting from considerably.
The Panthers are in safe hands with Hekker. It’s been a long time since fans could say that from any punter suiting up in Carolina.