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Official 2022 Carolina Panthers Schedule Thread

Zod

By Zod,
in Carolina Panthers

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TheSpecialJuan Grand Master

TheSpecialJuan

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Must-watch game: vs. Cleveland, Week 1

As explained above, the opener sets up as the ultimate boom-or-bust scenario. But the narrative is too rich to choose any game but this one. Even if just one of the two quarterbacks plays — Watson or Mayfield — the otherwise unremarkable matchup becomes riveting theater. And don’t discount the possibility that Mayfield could wind up in Charlotte if the Browns agree to pay more of his $18.8 million salary or they cut him. There’s also this fun fact: Cleveland hasn’t won a season opener since 2004. Giddyup.

Toughest stretch: Weeks 4-7

The Panthers open with four of five games at home, but the end of that homestand also marks the start of the saltiest stretch of their season. Beginning with an Oct. 4 game against Arizona in Charlotte, the Panthers face four consecutive NFC teams that made the playoffs a year ago, including the aforementioned Rams and Bucs. Barring injuries, those teams will start the following quarterbacks: Kyler Murray, Trey Lance (or Jimmy Garoppolo), Matthew Stafford and Brady. If the Panthers don’t win a couple of their early games against the Browns, Giants and Saints, calls for Rhule’s head could be intensifying before Halloween.

Game that has gotten tougher: vs. Denver, Week 12

While the Panthers were one of four teams in the running for Watson, general manager Scott Fitterer called Seahawks GM John Schneider — Fitterer’s boss in Seattle — about Wilson. Those conversations didn’t get very far as Wilson had set his sights on Denver, where Wilson will have a nice collection of weapons in running back Javonte Williams and wideouts Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick. But the Broncos also improved defensively by spending big on defensive end Randy Gregory and drafting pass rusher Nik Bonitto with their first pick in the draft.

One game the Panthers can’t afford to lose: at New York Giants, Week 2

The Panthers had several low points in 2021, but the deflating, 25-3 defeat to the Giants in Week 7 was one of the worst. It was the fourth loss in a row for Carolina following a 3-0 start, and Rhule benched Darnold in the second half after the former Jet completed 16-of-25 passes for just 111 yards, with an interception and three sacks. A similar performance against the Giants — who were interested in Rhule before the Panthers hired him — would not be good for Rhule, given the tougher tests to come in October.

Best offense the Panthers will face: Bengals (Week 9)

The Bengals were really fun to watch on offense last season, and that was even with Joe Burrow getting tossed to the ground early and often every week. Cincinnati overhauled its offensive line with three additions — right tackle La’el Collins, right guard Alex Cappa and center Ted Karras. Cincinnati signed Hayden Hurst to replace tight end C.J. Uzomah. And Burrow has a bunch of other fast, talented guys to work with, a list that includes running back Joe Mixon, wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and tight end Tyler Boyd.

Best defense the Panthers will face: 49ers (Week 5)

San Francisco rode its defense (and Deebo Samuel) nearly all the way to its second Super Bowl appearance in three years. Aaron Donald alone puts the Rams in the conversation in this category. But the 49ers’ front four is deeper, lining up with Javon Kinlaw, Arik Armstead and Nick Bosa, who racked up 15 1/2 sacks and four forced fumbles last year after returning from a knee injury that wiped out most of his 2020 season. San Francisco added to its pass rush by drafting Drake Jackson in the second round. The Niners’ one weak spot was their secondary, but bringing in free-agent cornerback Charvarius Ward should help.

Predicted record: 8-9

The Panthers are better up front on offense, and that has to count for something. But I’m not sure it’s enough to elevate Darnold to a quarterback who leads his team to the playoffs — even against a schedule that has some soft spots. Would the outlook change if the Panthers were to pick up Mayfield or Garoppolo? Yeah, it might, which is why Rhule and the Panthers haven’t completely shut the door on the possibility of adding one of those guys.

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