2022 Opponent Review: Carolina Panthers

As training camp approaches for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and with it the unofficial start to the season, we are taking a closer look at the opponents on the team’s 2022 schedule. Next up is the Carolina Panthers, who the Bucs face on the road in Week Seven at Bank of America Stadium on October 23, before the NFC South rival comes to town for the Week 17 rematch on January 1 at 1:00 pm ET. The Panthers concluded the 2021 season last in the division with a 5-12 record and this yea, they will look to displace the Buccaneers in the pecking order of the NFC South.

After firing on all cylinders to begin the 2021 season with a 3-0 start behind second-year Head Coach Matt Rhule and a new quarterback under center in Sam Darnold, many anticipated the Panthers to be poised for playoff contention. However, injures derailed Carolina’s progression and the club sputtered, losing 12 of the remaining 14 games. They coasted to a lackluster 5-12 finish, with significant injuries to Darnold, cornerback Jaycee Horn and running back Christian McCaffrey.

After losing to the Dallas Cowboys in Week Four, the Panthers secured Stephon Gilmore from the New England Patriots, giving up a 2023 sixth-round pick in the exchange. Gilmore and Horn could have been a lethal tandem in the secondary but injuries hindered the team’s ascension. Horn suffered a broken foot, sidelining him for the remainder of the year. The team’s workhorse on offense, McCaffrey, was in and out of the active list during the season (442 yards, one touchdown) and Darnold was placed on injured reserve in November, garnering a revolving door at the quarterback position. P.J. Walker was thrust into action and Cam Newton returned to Carolina following Darnold’s injury. Newton was awarded the starting gig for his production against Arizona, but his insertion under center did not provide much upside. Upon returning, Darnold once again became the starter over Newton, ushering in yet another shift under center.

Darnold, Newton and…