What were the best moments from yet another rollercoaster season of emotions for the Carolina Panthers and its fanbase in 2022?
Seven wins seemed almost inconceivable for the Carolina Panthers once upon a time in 2022. However, it speaks volumes about the masterful work accomplished by Steve Wilks that they got to this figure after another turbulent campaign.
Many fans were concerned about draft status and the ability to select a franchise quarterback. But after everything the Panthers have gone through in recent years, having brief hope of postseason football was something everyone needed.
The recently concluded season had everything where Carolina was concerned. However, what comes next will be even more important for a franchise that’s been languishing among the NFL’s bottom feeders for too long.
Before the offseason takes over, we took a look back and picked out the three best moments from Carolina’s 2022 season.
Best Moment No. 1
Carolina Panthers fired Matt Rhule
There wasn’t much for fans to cheer over the opening five weeks. But team owner David Tepper finally firing Matt Rhule was met with widespread joy.
Another disastrous loss against the San Francisco 49ers was the final straw. Revelations revealed after Rhule’s departure confirmed what many thought – this was a man incapable of leading the Carolina Panthers or any NFL franchise.
This also represented a change in fortunes for the Panthers, which was another strong indicator of Rhule’s gross incompetence in handling team affairs.
Carolina Panthers’ late TD at Falcons
The Carolina Panthers were coming to life after Steve Wilks completely reset the culture as interim head coach. There was more fight, more professionalism, and more players within the locker room buying into his superior leadership. A remarkable turn of events considering the short timeframe.
Wilks went looking for his second-straight victory at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8. This road game brought an unforgettable moment for every Panthers fan.
With the team needing a miracle on offense down late, P.J. Walker unleashed a deep bomb that was remarkably brought in by D.J. Moore to tie things up. An absolutely astonishing sequence that was only just getting started.
PJ WALKER JUST DID THAT. HAIL MARY TO DJ MOORE. pic.twitter.com/dDYwoZhaGG
— NFL (@NFL) October 30, 2022
Any joy Carolina had from this moment was short-lived. Moore was flagged for taking off his helmet and Eddy Pineiro missed two kicks to secure victory in normal and overtime.
Atlanta didn’t look a gift horse in the mouth and made a winning field goal secure an unlikely success. As it turned out, this result had big-time ramifications on Carolina’s slim hopes of making the playoffs.
Despite what happened after, Moore’s touchdown catch from Walker’s elite deep ball will live long in the memory. What the Panthers must do this offseason is getting their most dynamic wide receiver a capable quarterback to develop chemistry with long term.
Carolina Panthers swept the Saints
It didn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things. But sweeping the New Orleans Saints should always provide fans with a satisfied feeling.
This isn’t the same juggernaut that caused the Carolina Panthers endless problems under Sean Payton. A man that team owner David Tepper will meet with soon to discuss the possibility of replacing Matt Rhule as head coach.
Carolina’s early victory over their NFC South rivals in Week 3 was the last of Rhule’s cataclysmic tenure. And the players rose to the occasion to grind out a Week 18 triumph at the Caesars Superdome to ensure Steve Wilks ended his time as interim on a high.
The Panthers didn’t secure postseason football or a winning record from their 2022 efforts. But the team’s divisional record wasn’t bad at all and if the right moves are made this offseason, there is a definite opportunity to claim NFC South supremacy next season.
Whether the Panthers can put the necessary foundations in place remains to be seen. There is a solid young core to build around, but much will also depend on which way Tepper goes with the head coaching appointment when the time comes.
The most important thing for fans is they got through the campaign together. And hopefully, there is now light at the end of a very dark tunnel.