2017 was the last time the Carolina Panthers had a positive record(11-5), as well as make the playoffs. Since then the team has gone through drastic changes after the firing of head coach Ron Rivera, and transitioned to Matt Rhule in 2020.
Under Rhule the team has gone a measly 10-23. From Panther fans perspective the team has not gone in the right direction. It’s understandable for the frustration, there’s been multiple starting quarterbacks, plethora of staff changes, injuries and the mishandling of players.
But this Panther team looks different from the others, and has potential to be great. Here are the key factors that will help the Panthers succeed in 2022.
Better Offensive Line Play
Even under head coach Ron Rivera, Carolina has always seemed to struggle up front on the offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus, Carolina’s offensive line was ranked 18th in 2020 and dropped to 31st in 2021.
Outside of right tackle Taylor Moton and rookie Brady Christensen, there where no real starting caliber players upfront. Guards John Miller and Michael Jordan allowed 13 sacks, and tackle Cam Erving wasn’t the best at times.
But this offseason general manger Scott Fitterer made it a point of emphasis to build a real competitive unit up front.
In free agency they signed guard Austin Corbett to a three-year $29.25 million deal. Then they went and added three-year starter for the Baltimore Ravens, center Bradley Bozeman. Also, they selected left tackle Ikem Ekwonu with the sixth pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
With the new upgrades across the line I don’t expect to see the quarterback sacked 52 times. It may take this line time to gel but once they do opposing teams will have their hand full.
Christian McCaffrey not in street clothes
Since 2020 McCaffrey has only played a total of 10 games, but from the looks of it he is ready to go. When healthy, McCaffery is one of the most dynamic players in the league. In his first three seasons he’s totaled 2900 rushing yards, 2500 receiving yards with 39 total touchdowns.
It will be interesting how new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo will use McCaffery. If he can remain healthy expect another All-Pro season.
Secondary sets the tone
Carolina’s secondary might be the strongest part of their team. Last season they allowed less than 200 passing yards per game, and that was with a banged up secondary.
The secondary is led by veteran corner Donte Jackson and third-year safety Jeremy Chinn, whose becoming a rising star in the NFL. Other DBs include former Minnesota Vikings safety Xavier Woods and corners Myles Hartfield, Keith Taylor and CJ Henderson whose had a great training camp.
Also, corner Jaycee Horn will be looking to make his return after he sustained a season ending foot injury last year in his rookie season.
Expect this unit to make a huge impact in 2022, especially under the guidance of former Panther defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who was hired back in February to coach to DBs.