Predicting the final 5 games of Carolina Panthers 2022 season

(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Sam Darnold
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Sam Darnold /
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(Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports) Kenny Pickett /

Carolina Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

After racking up three-straight victories in front of their home fans, the Carolina Panthers welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers to Bank of America Stadium in Week 15. This is a franchise going through a period of transition with rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett under center, but no team coached by Mike Tomlin should be treated with anything other than respect.

It’s been a rough ride for the Steelers in 2022 so far, which is likely to see Tomlin endure his first losing season since taking the job. However, they’ve shown signs of life over the last fortnight as Pickett fully adjusts and relies heavily on their impressive defense.

Had Matt Rhule been in charge at this point, Tomlin would have had a field day with a man that was constantly outcoached in games. Steve Wilks is made of sterner stuff, but a balanced offensive game plan is essential considering Pittsburgh is giving up just 104 yards per game on the ground.

This will pile additional pressure on Sam Darnold providing he is still manning the plate by this point. So it’ll be interesting to see how the former USC standout fares when tasked with more than just game managing.

Prediction: Win (6-8)

There will be plenty of Steelers fans in attendance, one suspects. But the Panthers can capitalize on their solid recent home form and continue evolving The Bank into a fortress once again.