4 potential problems facing the Panthers over final four games in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers lack experience
It’s been a long time since the Carolina Panthers played meaningful football in December. Many players on the roster have tasted losing and not much else since joining the team, so the experience factor could be a complication compared to other teams also vying for playoff positions.
Only Shaq Thompson and J.J. Jansen remain from Carolina’s memorable run to the Super Bowl in 2015. The Panthers haven’t sniffed the postseason since 2017, so this situation is new to many in a professional environment.
This is why having Steve Wilks is so important. There isn’t much the wily veteran hasn’t seen throughout his coaching career and it would be wise for the locker room to continue hanging on his every word in pursuit of the promised land.
Those who’ve enjoyed success such as 2021 Super Bowl winner Austin Corbett should also be leaned on heavily for motivation and counsel at a critical stage of the campaign. The margin for error is remarkably slim, so Carolina folding under these increased expectations is simply not an option.
Some players have been waiting their whole professional careers to show out in a playoff environment. However, the promise of some lesser experienced figures folding in big moments cannot be ruled out when push comes to shove.
Wilks is sure to cover everything beforehand. But when it’s all said and done, the players must do the business where it counts.