What were some quick thoughts to take from the Carolina Panthers’ late win at the New Orleans Saints in their Week 18 regular-season finale?
For the final time this season, the Carolina Panthers took the field for a divisional clash with the New Orleans Saints. Although there was nothing on the line other than NFC South pride, interim head coach Steve Wilks was keen to keep everyone focused in pursuit of ending their campaign on a positive note.
Wilks faces a nervous wait to see if team owner David Tepper thinks enough of Carolina’s recent progress to extend his stay beyond 2022. Support remains strong within the locker room and winning at The Caesars Superdome would be another huge feather in his cap ahead of this critical upcoming decision for the franchise.
The Saints are on a three-game stretch of positive results that’s eased the pressure slightly on head coach Dennis Allen. As it turned out, a torrid game saw Carolina end on a high with their seventh victory of the campaign thanks to a walk-off field goal to sweep New Orleans for the first time in seven years.
With this in mind, here are ten quick thoughts from Carolina’s win versus New Orleans in Week 18.
Quick Thought No. 1
Carolina Panthers were bitten by the injury bug
One of the most disappointing elements to emerge from the contest was injuries suffered by Marquis Haynes, Austin Corbett, and Brady Christensen. Not exactly ideal, but they at least have a significant period of recuperation time before the Carolina Panthers meet up for voluntary OTAs once again.
Christensen’s complication, in particular, looked very concerning. He turned his ankle and needed to be helped off the field following a Chuba Hubbard run, which brought an end to the BYU product’s streak of playing every snap on offense this season.
Carolina Panthers cannot bring back Michael Jordan
Brady Christensen’s unfortunate injury meant Michael Jordan got a rare chance to impress in the starting lineup. Unfortunately for the veteran guard, he was unable to make the most of it.
Jordan struggled to generate any push and was found wanting in pass protection on numerous occasions. He did fall on a Sam Darnold fumble for a touchdown, but the decision to part ways should be an easy one.
Josh Norman’s swansong was a mixed bag
The Carolina Panthers gave cornerback Josh Norman the chance for one last hurrah from a starting berth in Week 18. And it was a mixed bag overall from the one-time All-Pro.
Norman got burned for an early Chris Olave touchdown and looked off the pace at times, which isn’t unexpected considering he’s played almost no meaningful football before Carolina’s season finale. He did make some nice tackles, but this will probably be the last we see of the former fifth-round pick out of Coastal Carolina.
A lethargic first half from the Carolina Panthers
There wasn’t anything at stake for either team and it showed during the first half. However, the Panthers were particularly lethargic and couldn’t generate any momentum whatsoever as the New Orleans Saints controlled proceedings throughout.
Until C.J. Henderson forced a fumble with the half’s penultimate play, there was almost nothing to cheer about. And no doubt the players received an earful from interim head coach Steve Wilks at the interval.
D’Onta Foreman’s ejection shouldn’t change his fate
The Carolina Panthers were dealt a blow early in the third quarter when D’Onta Foreman was ejected for throwing a punch at Marcus Davenport, who was also disqualified following the altercation that he instigated. This came after the running back put together a series of impressive carries en route to 67 rushing yards on the day.
Even though this wasn’t the way Foreman wanted to end his outstanding season, it shouldn’t change the narrative. Carolina has to make a concerted effort to bring him back in 2023.
Frankie Luvu finished with a flourish
Even though there was a preseason feel to Carolina’s final game, Frankie Luvu was in no mood for anything less than 100 percent commitment. The outside linebacker was seemingly everywhere once again, ensuring his exceptional 2022 campaign finished in the brightest way possible.
Luvu is an integral part of the Panthers’ defense after his promotion to the starting lineup. With one year remaining on his deal, it might be worth those in power getting the Washington State product tied down long-term to avoid paying more down the line.
Carolina Panthers WRs couldn’t get open
One thing that stood out considerably throughout the game was how well the New Orleans Saints secondary coped with the Panthers’ wide receivers. Whether it was in man or zone coverage, the clamps were put on emphatically almost from start to finish.
This made it almost impossible to gain any progress through the air. It also had Sam Darnold scrambling for his life behind an offensive line missing Brady Christensen and Austin Corbett.
Sam Darnold’s difficult afternoon
As stated previously, it was a troubling afternoon for the Carolina Panthers’ passing attack and Sam Darnold, in particular. The quarterback looked like a rabbit in the headlights for most of the day, which wasn’t helped by the wide receivers failing to get open consistently.
Until Darnold hit Terrace Marshall Jr. on the final drive, it was a lackluster outing. The two interceptions weren’t punished, which helped, but it remains to be seen whether or not Carolina brings him back as a bridge option.
Eddy Pineiro comes through for the Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were presented with an unlikely opportunity to steal a victory late on from a bad football game. And when Eddy Pineiro’s number was called, the clutch kicker answered with a walk-off field goal that went straight through the uprights.
Pineiro’s done more than enough to warrant a legitimate kicking competition with Zane Gonzalez in camp next year. That’s the least he deserves after a standout campaign.
Carolina Panthers dug deep for Steve Wilks
It wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was some of the worst football of the season from both teams.
But the Panthers dug deep for interim head coach Steve Wilks, who finishes at 6-6 after replacing Matt Rhule. This represents an outstanding achievement and one that will make it very difficult for David Tepper to go in a different direction.
Whichever way it goes for Wilks, he can hold his head high. Safe in the knowledge he couldn’t have done much more in tremendously difficult circumstances.