4 Carolina Panthers critical to improvements in Week 12 vs. Broncos

Steve Wilks – Carolina Panthers HC

While Steve Wilks may not be a player, the interim head coach has just as much riding on this game as anyone. The results have been less than stellar under his guidance following the firing of Matt Rhule, but that’s not the whole story.

When evaluating Wilks, one must remember that the Carolina Panthers traded away its best offensive player as well as its second wide receiver within the first week. Wins are not important at this point – what matters is coaching and the long-time assistant has shown that in spades.

Looking beyond his position group playing lights out when in charge of the Panthers’ secondary, this team just feels different under Wilks’ leadership. I’ve spoken at length about the fire and fight that Carolina has shown in recent weeks but it is that big of a change.

This team fights for Wilks, it’s as simple as that.

For the Panthers to pull out the win on Sunday, or any game for the rest of the season, Wilks will have to make the most out of almost nothing. Something the former Arizona Cardinals head coach has almost done multiple times already aside from the embarrassing losses at the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens.

The preparation, motivation, and adjustments will all be crucial to the Panthers’ performance this weekend. Wilks will also have to outcoach the Denver Broncos and add something extra to keep this matchup respectable.