4 Carolina Panthers players who’ve regressed after early 2022 promise
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players have regressed significantly during the 2022 season despite showing some early promise?
The ever-growing optimism and enthusiasm that filled last week’s preparations now seem like a distant memory. It wasn’t what fans expected against the Pittsburgh Steelers en route to a disappointing loss, but the overall ineptness throughout the NFC South means that the Carolina Panthers still have all to play for over their remaining three games.
Any playoff discussions happening on social media or from analysts aren’t being reciprocated by Steve Wilks. They look some way off legitimately contending, so it remains to be seen how much the interim head coach can galvanize this group before they come up against the red-hot Detroit Lions in their home finale.
Wilks and his staff can only do so much. At the end of the day, Carolina’s players didn’t execute effectively and got bullied in the trenches, which is always a recipe for disaster given how much the Panthers rely on this area of the field.
Some individuals need to start playing up to anticipated targets. But these four regressing Panthers players have much work after encouraging starts in 2022.
Player No. 1
Damien Wilson – Carolina Panthers LB
When Damien Wilson signed a two-year deal in free agency, this was seen as another short-term solution to an ongoing problem. Luke Kuechly’s presence at middle linebacker continues to be sorely missed, but the former Super Bowl winner was potentially capable of providing an upgrade based on his 2021 production with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Wilson didn’t do too badly over the first half of the campaign. However, he has vanished since then for reasons known only to Steve Wilks and his staff.
Not turning out on a single defensive snap despite the absence of Brandon Smith was another damning indictment of how Carolina perceives Wilson’s influence. Something that makes him a prime cut candidate ahead of time next year.