The Carolina Panthers’ improbable and wild ride to a playoff spot has been halted. But, even in a “meaningless” game, there are still many questions to be answered here in Week 18.
Here are four key matchups in Sunday’s season finale that’ll help answer some of those questions.
Panthers HC Steve Wilks vs. Expectations
It’s the final game of the 2022 campaign for the Panthers, which means it’s also the final game for Wilks in the interim position.
He will, of course, be one of the top candidates for the team’s head-coaching gig given what he has already done this season. But a big win in the closing game will certainly not hurt his chances.
Wilks will need to remain calm, collected, and be his usual focused self in order to help the Panthers maintain their form and come away with a victory. If he can bring Carolina their first season-finale win in four years and hit the six-win mark, it could mean big things for his odds of being the next head coach.
Panthers LT Ikem Ekwonu vs. Saints DE Cam Jordan
Ekwonu and Jordan are coming off vastly different outings, a contrast that swings in the favor of the latter.
While Week 17’s showing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was largely solid for the Carolina rookie, Ekwonu was the lineman who got beat on the fateful strip sack of quarterback Sam Darnold. He will need to tighten up his game and return to his midseason form.
As for Jordan, he absolutely dominated a talented Eagles offensive line and harassed quarterback Gardner Minshew—ending up with 3.0 sacks and a forced fumble last Sunday. He’ll be looking to beat Ekwonu as he wraps up yet another productive season.
Panthers QB Sam Darnold vs. Saints HC Dennis Allen
Both Darnold and Allen will have a lot to prove heading into an uncertain offseason. While Allen is likely a little more safe than the impending free agent in Darnold, a poor showing by the Saints could make things a bit cloudier in New Orleans.
As for Darnold, his surprising revival in 2022 has given him a second lease on his NFL career. If he’s able to trump Allen’s defense and turn in yet another solid outing, the fifth-year passer will certainly improve his chances at employment for next year.
Panthers CB CJ Henderson vs. Saints WR Chris Olave
To call Henderson’s performance against the Buccaneers “poor” would be an understatement—as he and Keith Taylor Jr. were largely responsible for Mike Evans’ 207-yard, three-touchdown day. Unfortuantely, the tough assignments won’t stop there—as he gets an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate in Olave.
While Olave’s production has slowed of late, he’s still a dangerous weapon in this offense. Henderson will likely be responsible for the rookie during most of the game, which could be a redemption spot of sorts.
But another rough outing for Henderson could mean the end of his time in Carolina.
