3 Carolina Panthers losses that hurt the most in 2022

Carolina Panthers at Falcons

• Week 8 | 37-34 loss (OT)

Steve Wilks got his first win as head coach against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7. This put momentum higher than ever heading into a crucial divisional matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons were performing above low expectations and had a home-field advantage. However, the Carolina Panthers boasted roster superiority on paper and they now possessed a legitimate head coach capable of steering them in the right direction.

This was a topsy-turvy affair with an ending that will go down among the league’s most dramatic in 2022. Something that all started when P.J. Walker delivered a bomb that connected with D.J. Moore right at the end of normal time.

Moore’s emotions got the better of him and the wideout was penalized for taking off his helmet. The extra distance proved too much for Eddy Pineiro to overcome.

The veteran kicker missed the winning attempt and spurned another effort in overtime, much to the dismay of everyone associated with the Panthers. It was an opportunity Atlanta didn’t waste, going down the field and allowing Younghoe Koo to close a heart-stopping clash between two fierce NFC South adversaries.

Pineiro bounced back in fine style after getting a vote of confidence from Wilks. But considering how close they were to making an unlikely postseason appearance, this one stung.