How could the Carolina Panthers fare over their final five games of 2022 once they return from a well-deserved bye week?
After so much turmoil within the Carolina Panthers during the Matt Rhule era, it’s been great to witness some gradual transformation under Steve Wilks. The interim head coach’s no-nonsense approach and professional outlook to preparation are going down extremely well with the players, which could lead to the respected figure getting the job long-term if team owner David Tepper’s confidence is high enough.
Although Wilks is just 3-4, it’s a huge step in the right direction. The Panthers are also unbeaten at home under the former Arizona Cardinals head coach, which is a far cry from the team going more than a calendar year without one success at Bank of America Stadium when Rhule called the shots.
Wilks certainly has momentum. But what transpires when Carolina returns from its bye week will ultimately decide whether a larger commitment comes or not.
With that being said, we took a look at how Carolina might get on over their remaining five games of the 2022 season.
Week 14
Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks
Week 14 sees the last game where the Carolina Panthers face a team with a winning record as it stands. That could all change, obviously, but going to the Seattle Seahawks represents a stern challenge Steve Wilks and his squad must be ready for.
Seattle has punched well above their weight this season and could end up with postseason football. However, they are susceptible against teams that run the football well, which is something the Panthers are doing despite trading Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers.
Prediction: Win (5-8)
With a good period of rest, increased preparation time, and momentum building, this could be the statement game the Panthers and Wilks are looking for on the road. But they’ll have to overcome a hostile atmosphere to accomplish this feat.
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.
Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions
The Carolina Panthers conclude their home engagements with a fascinating encounter against the Detroit Lions. Dan Campbell’s men are making steady progress following a difficult start, which has them fighting for everything and not without a slim wildcard spot if they go on a run down the stretch.
This will be a good measuring stick regarding how much fight is in Carolina’s locker room. It promises to be a physical affair with no quarter given from either side, so the game will likely be decided in the trenches when it’s all said and done.
The Lions have a surprisingly good offense with Jared Goff under center and several skill position players that can make things happen at will. However, their defense has been a constant source of frustration and something the Panthers can take advantage of if everything clicks into place.
It won’t be easy, not by any stretch of the imagination. And if the Panthers aren’t right at it from the word go, a scenario could emerge where fans are sent home on Christmas Eve without much festive cheer to call upon.
Prediction: Win (7-8)
A fourth-straight win would be the stuff of dreams considering Carolina’s plight earlier in the campaign. This might be on the optimistic side, but there is at least a possibility a situation such as this could emerge with Wilks leading the charge.
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If the Carolina Panthers got to seven wins before their final two games against NFC South rivals, it would make things very interesting. Momentum is everything at this time of year, but besting Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road is a monumental challenge despite their indifferent form in 2022.
Brady will be looking for revenge after his heavy defeat at Bank of America Stadium earlier this season. It’s been up and down for the legendary signal-caller since then, which means the division is still up for grabs and could even be won with a losing record.
This is normally the time of year when Brady steps up. The business end of the campaign where playoff seedings are decided and crucial wins are picked up heading into the postseason.
The stakes would be enormous in this scenario. Banking on Sam Darnold wouldn’t fill anyone with tremendous confidence in such a pressurized situation, but the Panthers’ defense shut down Brady before and they will be in a confident mood on the back of their longest winning run in some time.
Prediction: Loss (7-9)
In all honesty, this might be a step too far. Much will be dependent on which Buccaneers team turns up, but the experience of Brady and some roster members who were around for their Super Bowl win could be enough to see them through.
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
Rounding off the 2022 season at the New Orleans Saints was a daunting prospect once upon a time. But this is a franchise in the midst of real transition and without a first-round pick in 2023 after Sean Payton shockingly stepped down before the campaign.
As it stands right now, New Orleans has just four wins on the season and is languishing at the NFC South basement thanks to the Carolina Panthers 3-1 record versus divisional rivals. Their complications at the quarterback position are holding them back, with neither Andy Dalton nor Jameis Winston proving capable of becoming the team’s long-term option.
It’s not like the Panthers are in a better position. But the game management and efficiency Sam Darnold displayed in Week 12 against the Denver Broncos could be something they build upon.
Prediction: Loss (7-10)
Carolina’s record in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium hasn’t been great lately, which might continue during their season finale. With that being said, seven wins represent a remarkable accomplishment after a 1-5 start.
If Steve Wilks managed to reach this goal, then it would make team owner David Tepper think long and hard about giving him the job long-term. The calls to do this will be deafening and it would be an injustice if his performance levels weren’t given a bigger commitment if such a scenario comes to fruition.