Can the Panthers rebound after slow start?

Carolina Panthers quarterback PJ Walker. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Can the Panthers rebound after their 1-5 start?

By Cory Woodroof | Last updated 10/26/22

The Carolina Panthers surprised everyone in the NFL after this past Sunday's 21-3 beatdown of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After firing coach Matt Rhule, watching quarterback Baker Mayfield struggle, and trading Christian McCaffrey, it seemed like the Panthers were waving the white flag on the 2022 season.

However, Sunday's win over the Bucs and backup QB P.J. Walker's impressive outing hints that things might not be completely cooked for Carolina.

Consider three factors: the team seems to be hesitant to trade more assets, whether it be wideout D.J. Moore or pass rusher Brian Burns. There are young stars on Carolina's roster, ones they could build around for the future.

Also, consider the season defensive tackle Derrick Brown is having. It's becoming harder and harder to run on the Panthers, in large part because of what the former Auburn star is doing in the trenches.

With the run-heavy Falcons scheduled twice in the next three weeks, Carolina could give their NFC South foes fits with Brown's play.

Man, Derrick Brown has been an absolute force against the run this season. pic.twitter.com/H7lhwZh3ow
— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) October 26, 2022

Third, interim head coach Steve Wilks isn't likely going to preach a message of tanking in the locker room. Rather, the Panthers will likely come out motivated every week against teams that circle them as a "gimme game" on the schedule.

With the level of talent on Carolina's defense and Walker's surprising performance Sunday, it feels like Carolina could, at the very least, be a tougher out moving ahead for teams. They certainly don't sound like a team angling for the top draft pick next April.

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