What are some quick thoughts to take from the Carolina Panthers’ shock victory at the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14 of the 2022 season?
The Carolina Panthers traveled to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14 looking to end their concerning stretch of results on the road. For all the positives emerging from Steve Wilks‘ tenure as interim head coach, it’s been the same old story away from Bank of America Stadium and something that couldn’t continue for much longer.
Wilks knows this better than anybody. The Panthers are making impressive strides under his leadership, but that won’t matter if they cannot finish the campaign strongly with team owner David Tepper watching every move closely.
As it turned out, the Panthers dug deep and overcame significant adversity to attain a shock win on their travels. And with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers losing, they are right back in the divisional title race.
With this in mind, here are ten quick thoughts from Carolina’s triumph at the Seahawks in Week 14.
Quick Thought No. 1
Carolina Panthers came out swinging
It didn’t take long to figure out which Carolina Panthers were going to show up in this one. They came out of the blocks swinging during a perfect first quarter that had them 17-0 up at one stage.
They had things all their own way in all phases right out of the gate. Carolina’s defense created turnovers and the offense got the chance to run the football effectively with D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard, which is exactly what Steve Wilks wanted.
As far as starts go, this was a season’s best by a considerable margin. Another fine example of the improved preparation and game-planning with Wilks at the helm.
Carolina Panthers gave Geno Smith a torrid time
The Carolina Panthers’ defense has come to life in recent weeks. Al Holcomb is getting a tune out of almost everyone and they made life extremely difficult for in-form quarterback Geno Smith throughout.
Carolina forced Smith into his first multiple-interception game of the campaign. Something that will stand this unit in good stead over their remaining four contests.
Ian Thomas is an outstanding blocker
While Ian Thomas offers little from a pass-catching standpoint, the tight end’s blocking is nothing short of exceptional. This was on full display once again at the Seattle Seahawks, which caught the eye in a big way in the face of high-quality opposition.
It might be worth the Panthers getting a true pass-catching tight end this offseason. But the growing influence of Thomas as a blocker is a major asset to call upon.
Frankie Luvu was sensational for the Carolina Panthers
Perhaps no player is gaining more momentum in 2022 than Frankie Luvu. The outside linebacker’s consistency in a starting role has progressed into borderline elite production and he was at his brilliant best once again in Week 14.
Luvu was a constant menace at the line of scrimmage en route to one sack, four tackles, two quarterback hits, and two tackles for loss. No matter if it’s Steve Wilks or someone else coming in as head coach, the Washington State product is an integral part of the team’s plans moving forward.
Carolina Panthers couldn’t handle Marquise Goodwin
All the talk before this game was about the matchup between Jaycee Horn and D.K. Metcalf. However, it was another wide receiver that the Carolina Panthers had trouble handling in Week 14.
Marquise Goodwin was a constant thorn in the team’s side, eventually finishing the day with five receptions for 95 receiving yards and a late touchdown. This was a riddle Carolina had difficulty solving and is another example of the lack of sufficient depth behind Horn.
An impressive first half from the Carolina Panthers
This was arguably the best first-half Carolina’s put together this season. They coped with the hostile atmosphere at Lumen Field effectively and despite a late rally from the Seattle Seahawks, interim head coach Steve Wilks’ men went into the break up 20-14 as a result of their efforts.
There was a long way to go, obviously. But fans couldn’t have been anything other than encouraged by what they saw aside from the odd mistake or two.
Carolina Panthers missed Xavier Woods
Not having the benefit of Xavier Woods on the backend was a presence sorely missed by the Panthers. The veteran’s communication and natural instincts have been tremendous assets following his arrival in free agency and his absence only heightened how important he is to the defense’s overall strategy.
Hopefully, Woods can make a return in Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Because if this game taught us anything, it’s that the safety is a core component of Carolina’s blossoming defensive unit.
Terrace Marshall Jr. made the Carolina Panthers play of 2022
It’s been refreshing to see Terrace Marshall Jr. become more involved since Matt Rhule’s firing. And the wide receiver took the NFL by storm with an unbelievable catch that was undoubtedly the best play of the Carolina Panthers 2022 season so far.
Marshall stuck the football in-between his legs, rolling over and bringing in a catch that will live long in the memory. A truly astonishing moment for the former second-round pick and one that can provide him additional confidence down the stretch.
IT'S A CATCH @Terracemjr how?!?!? pic.twitter.com/YIcPt4zNlX
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 11, 2022
Tone-setting drive clinched it for the Carolina Panthers
Just when the Panthers needed it most, a tone-setting drive that focused solely on running the football clinched a memorable victory – their first on the road this season. Carolina moved the ball methodically and wore down Seattle’s defense with a physicality that has been prevalent throughout Steve Wilks’ tenure, which concluded with Raheem Blackshear crossing the end zone.
This sapped any remaining hope the Seahawks had of coming back into the game. And it was no more than the Panthers deserved based on the balance of play.
Steve Wilks gets his signature win
This was the signature win Wilks had been looking for. One that could all but cement his bid to become Panthers head coach on a permanent basis.
It’s been a phenomenal turnaround from Wilks since replacing Rhule. Sunday’s win at the Seahawks was another performance full of heart and desire – two elements that were sorely lacking earlier in the campaign.
There is now real momentum within the Panthers under Wilks. Something team owner David Tepper cannot ignore if things continue in a similar manner over the coming weeks.