Which Carolina Panthers players quietly had great seasons during another eventful 2022 campaign for the organization?
This is an exciting time for Carolina Panthers fans. The dark cloud of Matt Rhule’s tenure has evaporated and been replaced by fresh hope for the future after team owner David Tepper appointed Frank Reich to be their next head coach in 2023 and beyond.
Reich is a former Panthers player and knows the importance of maintaining the franchise’s proud culture. More importantly, this is the first offensive-minded head coach in team history and something that could assist greatly given the current trend across the league.
Some important decisions await Reich and others. But the Panthers can relax safe in the knowledge there is a solid young core to build around en route to potential playoff contention once again.
With this in mind, here are four Panthers players who quietly had great seasons in 2022.
Player No. 1
Johnny Hekker – Carolina Panthers P
Just why the Los Angeles Rams deemed Johnny Hekker surplus to requirements is anyone’s guess. But the Carolina Panthers got a tremendous tune out of the All-Decade punter during his first season with the franchise.
Hekker’s consistency, length, and ability to get the football inside the opposition’s 20-yard line became a major asset throughout the campaign. Something that went overlooked but was nonetheless important in 2022.
Bradley Bozeman – Carolina Panthers C
When one examines the positives to emerge from the Carolina Panthers in 2022, it must start with the offensive line. This much-maligned group flourished thanks to some outstanding arrivals and the presence of an exceptional coach in James Campen, which turned the protection into one of the league’s most progressive units.
Another big reason for the Panthers’ success was Bradley Bozeman. The veteran center came in for the injured Pat Elflein and immediately established himself, which made Matt Rhule’s decision to keep him on the sidelines even more bizarre than it initially appeared.
Bozeman’s overall assurance, outstanding communication, and leadership qualities came to the fore quickly. The former Alabama standout also immersed himself within the community, which made him a fan favorite in no time at all.
According to Pro Football Focus, Bozeman gave up two sacks and conceded four penalties from 680 snaps en route to a solid 63.1 grade. And of all the pending free agents Carolina should keep around, he’s at the top.
This is likely to cost Carolina a lot more than the team-friendly deal he signed in 2022 free agency. However, the player’s dependability and ability to inspire make Bozeman worth every cent coming his way.
Jaycee Horn – Carolina Panthers CB
There were some concerns about how Jaycee Horn would return after missing all but 2.5 games as a rookie with a broken foot. This complication raised further concern when the gifted cornerback experienced soreness during the team’s first conditioning test of training camp.
Horn laid waste to these fears quickly, demonstrating the true shutdown capabilities that the Carolina Panthers anticipated when they selected him at No. 8 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Teams actively avoided his side of the field and although misfortune struck with a broken wrist in Week 16, it was a tremendous bounce-back campaign.
One only has to look at Carolina’s struggles in the secondary without Horn to see how valuable the defensive back is moving forward. While others such as Sauce Gardner got more attention, Horn quietly went about his business to emerge as one of the NFL’s premier players at the position.
The best thing about Horn is he’s only just scratching the surface. There’s a big chance he’ll get even better heading into his prime years, which is a scary prospect based on what we’ve witnessed from the player to date.
It might be worth the Panthers getting another cornerback to further solidify depth this offseason. Especially considering Donte Jackson faces a long road back from a torn Achilles.
However, Horn’s status and importance cannot be overstated.
D.J. Moore – Carolina Panthers WR
It turned out to be another year of quarterback turmoil for wide receiver D.J. Moore. Nothing new for the former first-round selection since he joined the Carolina Panthers.
Moore has proven credentials when it comes to putting up numbers when all around him crumbles. The constant stream of quarterbacks finally ended the player’s streak of 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 2022, but that does not detract from how impressive the one-time Maryland star was in the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
For Moore to get within 112 receiving yards of four figures once again is remarkable all things considered. Even if the situation under center cannot be anything other than frustrating for the wideout.
This makes it absolutely essential that the Panthers finally get a productive long-term quarterback before the 2023 campaign. Something that might allow Moore to flourish further throughout his prime.
Getting improved consistency from other wide receivers would also help. Moore cannot do it alone, so adding to the room or getting additional production from players like Terrace Marshall Jr. would be highly advantageous.
Moore had a down year statistically. But upon further examination, it was quietly another excellent campaign from a player that remains a core part of the team’s future.