What are some quick thoughts to take from the Carolina Panthers’ win against the Detroit Lions in their Week 16 home finale?
High stakes and freezing temperatures were the themes as the Carolina Panthers ended their 2022 regular-season home engagements against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. Both teams still harbored hopes of making the postseason heading into the clash, with interim head coach Steve Wilks demanding a response from his players following a humbling loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last time out.
Carolina had a clean bill of health for the contest and there was a highly charged atmosphere within Bank of America Stadium for good measure. But the Lions were a team in the midst of their best winning run for years, so the margin for error was incredibly slim in pursuit of getting back on track.
As it turned out, the Panthers produced a much-improved outing to send their fans home with some extra festive cheer in a game they never looked like losing.
With that in mind, here are ten quick thoughts from Carolina’s win versus the Lions in Week 16.
Quick Thought No. 1
Coldest game in Carolina Panthers history
The weather wasn’t expected to be too enticing during the week, but it ended up being a historic climate for the Carolina Panthers when the whistle blew for kickoff.
This was officially the coldest-ever game at Bank of America Stadium in franchise history. But the players didn’t seem to mind all that much given many more teams were having things far worse across the country.
Carolina Panthers set the tone early
If the Carolina Panthers wanted to make their intentions clear, they managed it on the opening drive. The running backs and the offensive line took last weekend’s failure against the Pittsburgh Steelers personally and immediately set about imposing themselves at the earliest opportunity.
Carolina gained 83 rushing yards from five carries – most of which came from Chuba Hubbard – en route to a Raheem Blackshear score. A starts go, this was exactly what Steve Wilks would have wanted after such a poor showing last time out.
Carolina Panthers dominated the first half
There’s no doubt Steve Wilks was looking for a positive response from his players this weekend. A challenge that was met in no uncertain terms thanks to a prolific first-half showing at Bank of America Stadium.
The Panthers won in the trenches, controlled the clock, and had their way with the Detroit Lions. This allowed them to head into the halftime interval with a comfortable advantage that was richly deserved.
Carolina Panthers got another nice day from Terrace Marshall Jr.
Much of the focus was rightfully on the dominant rushing attack, but the Panthers got another encouraging performance from Terrace Marshall Jr. The wide receiver continues to flourish without Matt Rhule, which leaves hope he can emerge into a legitimate No. 2 option behind D.J. Moore moving forward.
Marshall finished the game with two receptions from three targets for 55 receiving yards. Not jaw-dropping, but it was another huge step in the right direction nonetheless.
Carolina Panthers’ run game was phenomenal
Gaining just 21 yards on the ground was always a recipe for disaster last weekend. Something that made the Carolina Panthers’ rushing attack highly motivated to put things right in Week 16.
Carolina’s run game was nothing short of outstanding – particularly in the first half – ending the contest with 321 rushing yards. This was a remarkable effort and one that has become synonymous with Steve Wilks’ ethos since replacing Matt Rhule.
Carolina Panthers put in a complete performance
There have been some impressive performances for the Panthers under Wilks, but this was arguably the most complete. Every phase of play was right at the top of their game from the outset, which led to Carolina overwhelming the Detroit Lions en route to a convincing success.
The sign of good coaching is how you respond in the face of adversity. And even though the Panthers have suffered a heavy defeat or two with Wilks calling the shots, they always come out swinging straight after.
Sam Darnold was polished once again
This was the fourth-straight game where the Panthers got a polished display from Sam Darnold. The quarterback looks like a completely different player since returning to the starting lineup and his newfound confidence is something that’s benefitting Carolina enormously.
Darnold completed 68.18 percent of his passes for 250 yards, one touchdown, and a passer rating of 121.5. More importantly, mistakes were kept to a minimum for the fourth-straight week and if he can do the same at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, anything is possible.
Carolina Panthers control their fate
The Carolina Panthers control their own fate in terms of winning the NFC South. After beating the Detroit Lions, it’s one down, and two to go.
This is rapidly becoming one of the league’s most fascinating stories down the stretch. And the fact Carolina is in this position speaks volumes about the resolve Steve Wilks has installed into his group of players.
Steve Wilks is the Carolina Panthers’ head coaching frontrunner
It would take a brave man to deny that Wilks isn’t the official frontrunner to become Carolina Panthers head coach in 2023 based on what we’ve seen so far. Something not even the most optimistic Panthers fan envisaged after their 1-4 start.
His ability to lead, adjust, and inspire is leaving a hugely positive impression. This latest dominant victory should put him in pole position, although David Tepper will see what else is out there to comply with the Rooney Rule if nothing else.
Carolina Panthers never wavered from their blueprint
It would have been easy for the Panthers to go away from what’s worked previously after their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But they never wavered from the blueprint and picked up a crucial win as a result.
Running the football, displaying dominance in the trenches, and giving Sam Darnold just enough rope to make things happen. This is what’s making Carolina a force and when everything clicks into place like this, there isn’t much any defense can do to stop them.