4 former Panthers with legitimate shot at Super Bowl glory in 2022
By Dean Jones
Sean McDermott – Former Carolina Panthers DC
When the Carolina Panthers lost defensive coordinator Sean McDermott to the Buffalo Bills, few envisaged the impact he’d make up north. His promotion to a prominent leadership position was well deserved, turning a perennial underachiever into an NFL heavyweight in quick double time.
Of course, drafting a quarterback such as Josh Allen helps. But the structure, leadership, and overall management of coaching affairs are all down to McDermott.
One only has to see how McDermott conducted himself during Damir Hamlin’s concerning medical issue suffered on Monday Night Football to see how composed and player-first the coach is. Something that’s got the locker room and Bills Mafia completely bought in.
The Bills have been knocking at the door for a number of years now. Another near miss before being ousted once again by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 put pay to their hopes, but McDermott has his men primed for another strong tilt at the Super Bowl based on their efforts this season.
McDermott will be keen to ensure complacency doesn’t become an issue during their wildcard opener against the Miami Dolphins. Tua Tagovailoa’s absence from their contest has resulted in the largest spread in playoff history according to some sportsbooks, but anything can happen in the postseason.
Carolina’s fanbase can only watch enviously at the Bills and how many ex-staff have completely changed their franchise. Hopefully, the right moves are made this offseason to get the Panthers back into contention.