4 major Carolina Panthers differences under Steve Wilks in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers are creating a home fortress
Bank of America Stadium wasn’t a happy hunting ground for Matt Rhule. The Carolina Panthers went a full calendar year without winning on home soil under his leadership, with a dismal loss against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5 turning out to be the final straw for team owner David Tepper thanks to a perceived lack of effort.
Steve Wilks hails from the Charlotte area, so he knows how much this football team means to the community. He went to college at Appalachian State and was part of Carolina’s staff during the glory days in the mid-2010s, so he was hurting like most fans at the franchise’s plight when Rhule had almost absolute power.
As stated previously, the Panthers aren’t enjoying the best form on their travels right now, which is hindered their chances of a shock NFC South championship. However, things have taken a huge step forward at home, where Wilks is currently undefeated at 3-0.
Turning Bank of America Stadium into a fortress once again is a source of great pride. It’s just a shame that the Panthers have just two games left in familiar surroundings before the season concludes.
Winning your home games and picking up a win or two on the road is a recipe for success. Something that could mean a few more scalps for the Panthers before the time comes for Wilks to learn his fate.