4 critical observations from the Panthers’ dominant win vs. Lions

Carolina Panthers gave Steve Wilks a response

If last week’s loss was a bump in the road of Steve Wilks losing the interim tag, this win should go someway to putting the Charlotte native back on smoother roads. Further proof of how this is such a week-to-week league.

Many fans a week ago were calling for Wilks to not get the job after the embarrassing loss to a Pittsburgh Steelers team playing for nothing but pride. A week later, he masterminded the Carolina Panthers’ most complete performance in recent memory, blowing one of the league’s most in-form teams who held out hopes of a shock postseason berth.

Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo called his best game by a mile since taking the job as the 570 total yards gained on offense set a new franchise record. Since Wilks was elevated to interim head coach, one thing we have seen is the respected figure finding a way to get his teams to bounce back after tough losses.

Winning immediately after losses to the Los Angeles Rams, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens proves the impact Wilks is having on this team. He challenged this talented group of players, and they responded emphatically.

Wilks is now 5-5 as interim head coach, meaning he matches Matt Rhule’s win totals in both of his seasons. If he can orchestrate two more and end his tenure 7-5 with an NFC South title to boot, it’ll be difficult for David Tepper to ignore.