Source: Eakin Howard / Getty
The big question is, what do fans want to see from the Panthers in the 2022-2023 season?
Matt Rhule Entering His Third Season as Head Coach
Panthers fans want to see Matt Rhule WIN!
This is Matt Rhule‘s third year with the Panthers, and he has produced three straight five-win campaigns.
This has almost certainly put him on David Tepper’s hot seat this year. With an abundance of off-season draft and free agent acquisitions, we want to see this be the year he turns it all around.
Welcome to Charlotte, Baker Mayfield
Fans want to see QB Baker Mayfield back up his recent explicit comments towards his old team all year long. And if there was any doubt about him being the #1 QB for this team, circumstances have certainly solidified it.
Since adding Baker, the Panthers have lost rookie quarterback Matt Corral and backup Sam Darnold for an extended time.
Corral was placed on injured reserve with a lisfranc injury and Darnold injured his ankle against Buffalo. Rhule said the team expects Darnold to miss at least four weeks.
Will Christian McCaffrey Stay Healthy?
Let’s face it captain obvious… The Panthers are a better team when No. 22 is on the field. The problem is, that he has played in only 10 of the last 33 games while dealing with ankle, hamstring, and shoulder injuries.
If McCaffrey can stay healthy for 17 weeks, you will see a playoff-bound football team.
A Strong Offensive Line
The offensive line will definitely be much better than in years past. The offseason free-agent addition of Austin Corbett (who started for the Los Angeles Rams) and first-round draft pick Ikem Ekwonu has upgraded this O Line.
If this group comes together and builds chemistry, fans may just see the blocking and protection we need for a big season.
The Defense Returns
The Panthers’ defense saw massive improvement last year, jumping to #2 in yards allowed per game in the league, trailing only Buffalo.
The better news is, that a majority of the defense returned for the 2022-2023 season.
Brian Burns is the team’s best pass rusher. However, with the departure of Haason Reddick to Philadelphia, he will see more double-teams this season so it will be critical for Yetur Gross-Matos to take a huge step forward in 2022.
If he does, this defense can be scary good!
by Scott Gottlieb
What do fans want to see from the Panthers this season? was originally published on wfnz.com
