The 2022 season was the Carolina Panthers' 28th in the National Football League (NFL) and their third and final season under head coach Matt Rhule. They attempted to improve on their 5–12 record from last season and return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season.
After a 1–4 start from the team, the Panthers fired head coach Matt Rhule, along with defensive coordinator Phil Snow. Rhule was replaced with defensive passing game coordinator Steve Wilks, who served as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.[1] After a Week 16 win against the Detroit Lions, they improved on their five-win total from the previous three years. However, they were eliminated from playoff contention for the fifth straight year when they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the following week.[2]
Offseason
Signings
| Position |
Player |
Age |
2021 Team |
Contract
|
| C |
Bradley Bozeman |
27 |
Baltimore Ravens |
1 year, $2.8 million
|
| G |
Austin Corbett |
26 |
Los Angeles Rams |
3 years, $26.2 million
|
| RB |
D'Onta Foreman |
26 |
Tennessee Titans |
1 year, $2 million
|
| P |
Johnny Hekker |
32 |
Los Angeles Rams |
3 years, $7.6 million
|
| WR |
Rashard Higgins |
27 |
Cleveland Browns |
1 year, $1.1 million
|
| DT |
Matt Ioannidis |
28 |
Washington Commanders |
1 year, $9.5 million
|
| LB |
Cory Littleton |
28 |
Las Vegas Raiders |
1 year, $2.6 million
|
| LB |
Damien Wilson |
29 |
Jacksonville Jaguars |
2 years, $6.9 million
|
| FS |
Xavier Woods |
26 |
Minnesota Vikings |
3 years, $15 million
|
| WR |
Andre Roberts |
34 |
Los Angeles Chargers |
1 year, $1.7 million
|
Draft
Draft trades
- ^ a b The Panthers traded second- and fourth-round selections (38th and 111th overall), and a 2021 sixth-round selection to the New York Jets in exchange for QB Sam Darnold.
- ^ a b The Panthers traded TE Dan Arnold and a third-round selection (70th overall) to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for CB C. J. Henderson and a fifth-round selection (144th overall).[3]
- ^ a b The Panthers traded a fourth-round selection (137th overall) and a 2023 third-round selection to the New England Patriots in exchange for a third-round selection (94th overall).
- ^ a b c d The Panthers traded two fifth-round selections (144th and 149th overall) to the Washington Commanders in exchange for fourth- and sixth-round selections (120th and 189th overall).
- ^ The Panthers traded a 2021 third-round selection to the Houston Texans in exchange for a fourth-round selection (137th overall), and 2021 fourth- and fifth-round selections.
- ^ The Panthers traded a sixth-round selection (185th overall) to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for DE Darryl Johnson.
- ^ a b The Panthers traded LB Denzel Perryman and a seventh-round selection (227th overall) to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a sixth-round selection (199th overall).
- ^ The Panthers traded OT Greg Little to the Miami Dolpins in exchange for a seventh-round selection (242nd overall).
Trades
Staff
2022 Carolina Panthers staff
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Front office
- Owner – David Tepper
- President – Kristi Coleman
- General manager – Scott Fitterer
- Assistant general manager – Dan Morgan
- Vice president of football operations & senior advisor to ownership – Steven Drummond
- Vice president of football administration – Samir Suleiman
- Vice president of player personnel – Pat Stewart
- Senior personnel executive – Jeff Morrow
- Director of football operations – Mike Anderson
- Director of college scouting – Cole Spencer
- Director of pro scouting – Rob Hanrahan
- Assistant director of pro scouting – Tyler Ramsey
- Director of football analytics – Taylor Rajack
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
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Defensive coaches
- Interim defensive coordinator – Al Holcomb
- Defensive run game coordinator – Mike Siravo
- Defensive line – Terrance Knighton
- Assistant defensive line – Don Johnson
- Defensive backs – Bobby Mafei
- Defensive assistant – Rob Dvoracek
Special teams coaches
- Special teams coordinator – Chris Tabor
- Special teams assistant – Cedric Whitaker
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Final roster
Preseason
Regular season
Schedule
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Game summaries
Week 1: vs. Cleveland Browns
| Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
- CLE – Kareem Hunt 1-yard pass from Jacoby Brissett (Cade York kick), 10:49. Browns 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 42 yards, 1:37.
- CLE – Kareem Hunt 24-yard run (Cade York kick), 4:46. Browns 14–0. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 4:33.
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey 1-yard run (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 1:57. Browns 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:49.
- CLE – Cade York 26-yard field goal, 0:21. Browns 17–7. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 1:36.
Third quarter
- CLE – Cade York 34-yard field goal, 7:42. Browns 20–7. Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 7:18.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Baker Mayfield 7-yard run (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 12:51. Browns 20–14. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:44.
- CLE – Cade York 36-yard field goal, 6:14. Browns 23–14. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 6:38.
- CAR – Robbie Anderson 75-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 6:02. Browns 23–21. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:11.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 34-yard field goal, 1:13. Panthers 24–23. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 1:01.
- CLE – Cade York 58-yard field goal, 0:08. Browns 26–24. Drive: 6 plays, 35 yards, 1:05.
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Top passers
- CLE – Jacoby Brissett – 18/34, 147 yards, TD
- CAR – Baker Mayfield – 16/27, 235 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
- CLE – Nick Chubb – 22 rushes, 141 yards
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 10 rushes, 33 yards, TD
Top receivers
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In the Panthers' home opener against the Cleveland Browns, they came close to winning, but the Browns were able to hold them off. Cleveland defeated Carolina 26–24, meaning the Panthers started off the season 0–1.
Week 2: at New York Giants
| Game information
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First quarter
- NYG – Graham Gano 36-yard field goal, 12:50. Giants 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 2:02.
- NYG – Graham Gano 33-yard field goal, 2:30. Giants 6–0. Drive: 13 plays, 25 yards, 7:47.
Second quarter
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 31-yard field goal, 12:15. Giants 6–3. Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 5:15.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 32-yard field goal, 0:56. Tied 6–6. Drive: 10 plays, 34 yards, 4:23.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
- NYG – Graham Gano 51-yard field goal, 12:31. Giants 16–13. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 3:24.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 38-yard field goal, 10:46. Tied 16–16. Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 1:45.
- NYG – Graham Gano 56-yard field goal, 3:34. Giants 19–16. Drive: 11 plays, 37 yards, 7:12.
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Top passers
- CAR – Baker Mayfield – 14/29, 145 yards, TD
- NYG – Daniel Jones – 22/34, 176 yards, TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
- CAR – D. J. Moore – 3 receptions, 43 yards, TD
- NYG – Richie James – 5 receptions, 51 yards
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This was head coach Matt Rhule's first return to MetLife Stadium in 10 years, as he had previously served as the Giants' assistant offensive line coach under then-head coach Tom Coughlin in 2012, a season after the Giants won their 4th Super Bowl title. Things started poorly for the Panthers when, during kick-off, Chuba Hubbard fumbled the ball, and it was recovered by the New York Giants. New York ended up scoring a field goal on the ensuing drive. When Carolina got the ball back, they would fumble again and the Giants scored another field goal. In the second quarter, Eddy Piñeiro scored two field goals for the Panthers, tying the game. Baker Mayfield made a complete pass to D. J. Moore in the third for a touchdown. The Giants answered back with a Daniel Bellinger touch down, tying the game at 13-13 going into the 4th quarter. The Panthers only scored three points in the fourth, while New York scored 6, giving the Giants a 19-16 win, dropping the Panthers to an 0–2 record.
Week 3: vs. New Orleans Saints
Week 3: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
| Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 45-yard field goal, 14:16. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 40 yards, 5:10.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 48-yard field goal, 2:56. Panthers 13–0. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 5:36.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
- NO – Mark Ingram II 5-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 12:31. Panthers 13–7. Drive: 10 plays, 89 yards, 3:28.
- CAR – Laviska Shenault 67-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (run failed), 12:06. Panthers 19–7. Drive: 2 plays, 67 yards, 0:25.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 34-yard field goal, 8:19. Panthers 22–7. Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards, 3:00.
- NO – Marquez Callaway 4-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Wil Lutz kick), 2:22. Panthers 22–14. Drive: 3 plays, 90 yards, 1:06.
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Top passers
- NO – Jameis Winston – 25/41, 353 yards, TD, 2 INT
- CAR – Baker Mayfield – 12/25, 170 yards, TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
- NO – Chris Olave – 9 receptions, 147 yards
- CAR – Laviska Shenault – 2 receptions, 90 yards, TD
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The game started off well for Carolina in the first quarter when New Orleans fumbled the ball. Marquis Haynes recovered it and scored a fumble recovery touchdown for the Panthers. Carolina led by thirteen points at the half after Eddy Piñeiro kicked two field goals in the second quarter. Early in the fourth, Mark Ingram scores a touchdown for the Saints, giving them their first points of the game. Baker Mayfield completes a 67-yard pass to Laviska Shenault for a touchdown. They tried for a two-point conversion, but it failed. With 8:19 to go into the game, Piñeiro kicked another field goal for Carolina. With 2:22 remaining, Marquez Callaway scores a touchdown for the Saints, though it was not enough. Carolina defeated New Orleans 22–14, snapping a 9 game losing streak and improving to 1–2.
Week 4: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week 4: Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
| Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
- CAR – Frankie Luvu 33-yard interception return (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 12:13. Panthers 7–0.
- ARI – Matt Prater 33-yard field goal, 3:34. Panthers 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 3:19.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 54-yard field goal, 3:34. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 0:21.
Third quarter
- ARI – Zach Ertz 2-yard pass from Kyler Murray (Matt Prater kick), 7:42. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 89 yards, 5:08.
Fourth quarter
- ARI – Matt Prater 39-yard field goal, 3:34. Cardinals 13–10. Drive: 15 plays, 57 yards, 9:26.
- ARI - Kyler Murray 4-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 10:26. Cardinals 20–10. Drive: 2 plays, 5 yards, 0:42
- ARI – Marquise Brown 23-yard pass from Kyler Murray (pass failed), 7:37. Cardinals 26–10. Drive: 3 plays, 31 yards, 1:36.
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey 13-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (pass failed), 4:47. Cardinals 26–16. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 2:50.
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Top passers
- ARI – Kyler Murray – 23/32, 207 yards, 2 TD, INT
- CAR – Baker Mayfield – 22/36, 197 yards, TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
- ARI – James Conner – 15 rushes, 55 yards
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 8 rushes, 27 yards
Top receivers
- ARI – Marquise Brown – 6 receptions, 88 yards, TD
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 9 receptions, 81 yards, TD
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The Cardinals end up being too much for the Panthers and defeat them 26–16. Carolina falls to 1–3.
Week 5: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Week 5: San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
| Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
- SF – Robbie Gould 49-yard field goal, 12:56. 49ers 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 4:14.
- CAR – Eddy Pineiro 43-yard field goal, 7:59. 49ers 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 4:27.
- SF – Emmanuel Moseley 41-yard interception return (Robbie Gould kick), 0:43. 49ers 17–3.
Third quarter
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey 19-yard run (run failed), 11:57. 49ers 17–9. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 3:03.
- SF – Deebo Samuel 4-yard pass from Jimmy Garoppolo (Robbie Gould kick), 6:32. 49ers 24–9. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:25.
- CAR – Eddy Pineiro 37-yard field goal, 3:40. 49ers 24–12. Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 2:52.
Fourth quarter
- SF – Jeff Wilson Jr. 1-yard run (kick failed, wide left), 12:31. 49ers 30–12. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:09.
- CAR – Eddy Pineiro 34-yard field goal, 6:51. 49ers 30–15. Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 5:40.
- SF – Tevin Coleman 5-yard run (Mitch Wishnowsky kick), 3:15. 49ers 37–15. Drive: 2 plays, 3 yards, 0:51.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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The Panthers lose to San Francisco 15–37 and dropped to 1–4 on the year. This was head coach Matt Rhule's and defensive coordinator Phil Snow's last game with the Panthers, as both were fired in the days following the loss with Steve Wilks promoted to interim head coach. In addition, Baker Mayfield, who had another disappointing performance, was benched in favor of P. J. Walker.
Week 6: at Los Angeles Rams
| Game information
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First quarter
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 42-yard field goal, 8:38. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 51 yards, 6:22.
Second quarter
Third quarter
- LAR – Matt Gay 21-yard field goal, 4:37. Tied 10–10. Drive: 12 plays, 87 yards, 6:46.
- LAR – Ben Skowronek 17-yard run (Matt Gay kick), 0:11. Rams 17–10. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:50.
Fourth quarter
- LAR – Darrell Henderson 2-yard run (Matt Gay kick), 8:15. Rams 24–10. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 5:17.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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Carolina started the game off with a field goal in the first. Both the Panthers and the Rams scored touchdowns in the second, leaving them up 10-7 into the half. The Panthers went scoreless in the second half, while Los Angeles took control and scored 17. The Rams defeated Carolina 24–10. For the first time since 2016, the Panthers were 1–5.
This was also the last game Christian McCaffrey played in as a player of the Panthers, as he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers on October 20, 2022.[7]
Week 7: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
| Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
- CAR – Chuba Hubbard 17-yard run (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 3:11. Panthers 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 77 yards, 0:49.
Fourth quarter
- TB – Ryan Succop 27-yard field goal, 13:38. Panthers 14–3. Drive: 14 plays, 67 yards, 4:33.
- CAR – Tommy Tremble 29-yard pass from P. J. Walker (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 9:33. Panthers 21–3. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:05.
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Top passers
- TB – Tom Brady – 32/49, 290 yards
- CAR – P. J. Walker – 16/22, 177 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
- TB – Mike Evans – 9 receptions, 96 yards
- CAR – D. J. Moore – 7 receptions, 69 yards, TD
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Carolina and Tampa Bay were both scoreless in the first quarter. With 35 seconds to go in the second, P. J. Walker made a 20-yard pass to D. J. Moore for a Panthers touchdown, putting Carolina up by 7 at the half. Chuba Hubbard scored a touchdown in the third, as Ryan Succop made a field goal for the Bucs in the fourth. Walker threw it to Tommy Tremble for a game sealing touchdown. The Panthers won 21–3 and improved to 2–5.
Week 8: at Atlanta Falcons
| Game information
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First quarter
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 37-yard field goal, 6:50. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:33.
Second quarter
- ATL – Kyle Pitts 2-yard pass from Marcus Mariota (Younghoe Koo kick), 10:13. Falcons 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 6:02.
- CAR – D'Onta Foreman 2-yard run (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 4:51. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 5:22.
- ATL – Lorenzo Carter 28-yard interception return (Younghoe Koo kick), 0:41. Falcons 14–10.
Third quarter
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 42-yard field goal, 11:33. Falcons 14–13. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 3:27.
- ATL – Tyler Allgeier 25-yard pass from Marcus Mariota (Younghoe Koo kick), 1:40. Falcons 21–13. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 4:45.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – D'Onta Foreman 1-yard run (D'Onta Foreman run), 11:46. Tied 21–21. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:54.
- ATL – Younghoe Koo 30-yard field goal, 7:33. Falcons 24–21. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 4:13.
- CAR – D'Onta Foreman 12-yard run (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 3:06. Panthers 28–24. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 7:27.
- ATL – Damiere Byrd 47-yard pass from Marcus Mariota (Younghoe Koo kick), 2:14. Falcons 31–28. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 0:52.
- ATL – Younghoe Koo 34-yard field goal, 0:36. Falcons 34–28. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:03.
- CAR – D. J. Moore 62-yard pass from P. J. Walker (kick failed, wide left), 0:12. Tied 34–34. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:24.
Overtime
- ATL – Younghoe Koo 41-yard field goal, 1:55. Falcons 37–34. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:44.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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In a close game, the Falcons defeated Carolina 37–34 in overtime. The Panthers dropped to 2–6.
Week 9: at Cincinnati Bengals
Week 9: Carolina Panthers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
at Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Date: November 6
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: Sunny, 70 °F (21 °C)
- Game attendance: 66,160
- Referee: Alex Kemp
- TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez and Laura Okmin
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
- CIN – Joe Burrow 1-yard run (Evan McPherson kick), 14:37. Bengals 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 5:50.
- CIN – Joe Mixon 3-yard run (Evan McPherson kick), 7:29. Bengals 21–0. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 5:09.
- CIN – Joe Mixon 1-yard run (Evan McPherson kick), 3:45. Bengals 28–0. Drive: 5 plays, 42 yards, 2:51.
- CIN – Joe Mixon 12-yard pass from Joe Burrow (Evan McPherson kick), 0:04. Bengals 35–0. Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 1:05.
Third quarter
- CAR – Tommy Tremble 8-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 10:52. Bengals 35–7. Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 4:08.
- CIN – Joe Mixon 14-yard run (Evan McPherson kick), 4:38. Bengals 42–7. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:14.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Terrace Marshall Jr. 21-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 7:47. Bengals 42–14. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 5:01.
- CAR – Raheem Blackshear 2-yard run (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 1:29. Bengals 42–21. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 2:18.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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In the first half of this blowout, Carolina was scoreless, in part due to poor play from Walker, who posted a 0.0 passer rating, while the Cincinnati Bengals scored 5 touchdowns, four of them from Bengals running back Joe Mixon. Walker was removed from the game in favor of Mayfield, as both teams scored 7 in the third quarter. The Panthers went on to score 14 in the fourth, and even though Cincinnati went scoreless, the Bengals kept their comfortable lead and won 42–21. Carolina fell to 2–7.
Week 10: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week 10: Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
| Game information
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First quarter
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 46-yard field goal, 6:59. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 41 yards, 4:22.
Second quarter
- CAR – Laviska Shenault 41-yard run (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 4:34. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 2 plays, 43 yards, 0:52.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 49-yard field goal, 1:47. Panthers 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 14 yards, 2:24.
- ATL – Younghoe Koo 33-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 13–3. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 1:47.
Third quarter
- ATL – Drake London 7-yard pass from Marcus Mariota (kick failed), 6:15. Panthers 13–9. Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 2:46.
- CAR – D'Onta Foreman 12-yard run (kick failed), 1:51. Panthers 19–9. Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 4:24.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 40-yard field goal, 9:22. Panthers 22–9. Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 5:25.
- ATL – KhaDarel Hodge 25-yard pass from Marcus Mariota (kick blocked), 2:56. Panthers 22–15. Drive: 8 plays, 97 yards, 2:22.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 37-yard field goal, 0:10. Panthers 25–15. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 1:40.
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Top passers
Top rushers
- ATL – Marcus Mariota – 3 rushes, 43 yards
- CAR – D'Onta Foreman – 31 rushes, 130 yards, TD
Top receivers
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Carolina sought revenge against Atlanta in this Thursday Night Football game after losing in a heartbreaker 11 days prior. The Panthers got their chance, winning 25–15 and improving to 3–7.
Week 11: at Baltimore Ravens
| Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
- BAL – Justin Tucker 32-yard field goal, 0:00. Ravens 3–0. Drive: 15 plays, 76 yards, 3:38.
Third quarter
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 32-yard field goal, 8:07. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 3:15.
Fourth quarter
- BAL – Justin Tucker 37-yard field goal, 8:27. Ravens 6–3. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 7:00.
- BAL – Lamar Jackson 1-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 7:16. Ravens 13–3. Drive: 2 plays, 31 yards, 0:58.
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Top passers
- CAR – Baker Mayfield – 21/33, 196 yards, 2 INT
- BAL – Lamar Jackson – 24/33, 209 yards, INT
Top rushers
Top receivers
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Baker returned from the bench in a 13–3 low scoring affair that saw Carolina fall to 3–8. This was also the last game he played for the Panthers, as Sam Darnold was healthy enough to return, and Mayfield would soon be released by the Panthers, signing with the Rams.
Week 12: vs. Denver Broncos
Week 12: Denver Broncos at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
| Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
- DEN – Brandon McManus 27-yard field goal, 10:11. Panthers 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, 2:35.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 42-yard field goal, 4:42. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 5:29.
Third quarter
- CAR – Sam Darnold 2-yard run (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 7:21. Panthers 17–3. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 6:13.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 26-yard field goal, 13:33. Panthers 20–3. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 2:19.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 36-yard field goal, 8:59. Panthers 23–3. Drive: 7 plays, 17 yards, 4:25.
- DEN – Brandon Johnson 1-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Brandon McManus kick), 3:19. Panthers 23–10. Drive: 14 plays, 77 yards, 5:40.
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Top passers
- DEN – Russell Wilson – 19/35, 142 yards, TD
- CAR – Sam Darnold – 11/19, 164 yards, TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
- DEN – Courtland Sutton – 6 receptions, 75 yards
- CAR – D. J. Moore – 4 receptions, 103 yards, TD
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Darnold's first start in the season saw the Panthers beat the Broncos for the first time since the 2008 season in a 23-10 score. The Panthers improved to 4-8.
Week 14: at Seattle Seahawks
| Game information
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First quarter
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 47-yard field goal, 7:05. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 43 yards, 7:55.
- CAR – Shi Smith 13-yard pass from Sam Darnold (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 6:44. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 1 play, 13 yards, 0:05.
Second quarter
- CAR – Chuba Hubbard 2-yard run (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 12:35. Panthers 17–0. Drive: 12 plays, 74 yards, 6:52.
- SEA – Tyler Lockett 4-yard pass from Geno Smith (Jason Myers kick), 9:26. Panthers 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:09.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 32-yard field goal, 2:09. Panthers 20–7. Drive: 8 plays, 25 yards, 4:09.
- SEA – DK Metcalf 12-yard pass from Geno Smith (Jason Myers kick), 0:16. Panthers 20–14. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 1:53.
Third quarter
- SEA – Jason Myers 27-yard field goal, 10:00. Panthers 20–17. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 5:00.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Raheem Blackshear 8-yard run (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 6:57. Panthers 27–17. Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 5:26.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 39-yard field goal, 1:56. Panthers 30–17. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:21.
- SEA – Marquise Goodwin 24-yard pass from Geno Smith (Jason Myers kick), 0:16. Panthers 30–24. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:40.
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Top passers
- CAR – Sam Darnold – 14/24, 120 yards, TD
- SEA – Geno Smith – 19/35, 142 yards, TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
- CAR – Laviska Shenault – 4 receptions, 31 yards
- SEA – Marquise Goodwin – 5 receptions, 95 yards, TD
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Carolina defeated Seattle for the first time since 2015, winning 30–24. The Panthers improved to 5–8, and with a Buccaneers loss, also allowed them control of their own destiny, meaning they were guaranteed a spot in the playoffs if they could win out.
Week 15: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 15: Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
| Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
- PIT – Mitchell Trubisky 1-yard run (Chris Boswell kick), 3:17. Steelers 21–7. Drive: 21 plays, 91 yards, 11:43.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 29-yard field goal, 11:52. Steelers 21–10. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 6:25.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 32-yard field goal, 6:15. Steelers 21–13. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 4:06.
- PIT – Chris Boswell 50-yard field goal, 1:04. Steelers 24–13. Drive: 13 plays, 43 yards, 5:11.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 52-yard field goal, 0:19. Steelers 24–16. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 0:45.
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Top passers
- PIT – Mitchell Trubisky – 17/22, 179 yards
- CAR – Sam Darnold – 14/23, 225 yards, TD
Top rushers
- PIT – Najee Harris – 24 rushes, 86 yards, TD
- CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 4 rushes, 10 yards
Top receivers
- PIT – Diontae Johnson – 10 receptions, 98 yards
- CAR – D. J. Moore – 5 receptions, 73 yards, TD
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|
Mitchell Trubisky and the Pittsburgh Steelers were too much for Carolina, defeating them 24–16. The Panthers fell to 5–9, yet still maintained control of their destiny.
Week 16: vs. Detroit Lions
Week 16: Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Date:
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: Sunny, 20 °F (−7 °C)
- Game attendance: 69,173
- Referee: Shawn Hochuli
- TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Robert Smith and Jen Hale
- Recap, Game Book
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
- CAR – Sam Darnold 3-yard run (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 9:35. Panthers 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 91 yards, 4:42.
- CAR – D'Onta Foreman 4-yard run (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 2:08. Panthers 21–7. Drive: 11 plays, 92 yards, 6:26.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 37-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 24–7. Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 0:59.
Third quarter
- CAR – D. J. Moore 5-yard pass from Sam Darnold (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 9:12. Panthers 31–7. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:34.
- DET – Shane Zylstra 7-yard pass from Jared Goff (Run failed), 3:09. Panthers 31–13. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:12.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 40-yard field goal, 13:13. Panthers 34–13. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 4:56.
- DET – Shane Zylstra 1-yard pass from Jared Goff (Michael Badgley kick), 3:46. Panthers 34–20. Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards, 1:50.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 36-yard field goal, 1:56. Panthers 37–20. Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 1:50.
- DET – Michael Badgley 34-yard field goal, 0:36. Panthers 37–23. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 1:20.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
On Christmas Eve, the Panthers ran all over the Detroit Lions, beating them 37–23, as well as setting new franchise records in rushing yards in a game and total yards in a game. Carolina improved to 6–9, improving on their five-win totals from the previous three seasons.
Week 17: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
- CAR – D. J. Moore 24-yard pass from Sam Darnold (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 7:51. Panthers 14–0. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 4:09.
- TB – Mike Evans 63-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 2:10. Panthers 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 0:52.
- TB – Ryan Succop 22-yard field goal, 1:09. Panthers 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 0:48.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Shi Smith 19-yard pass from Sam Darnold (Eddy Piñeiro kick), 14:50. Panthers 21–10. Drive: 7 plays, 91 yards, 3:47.
- TB – Mike Evans 57-yard pass from Tom Brady (pass failed), 13:49. Panthers 21–16. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:01.
- TB – Mike Evans 30-yard pass from Tom Brady (Tom Brady-Chris Godwin pass), 6:47. Buccaneers 24–21. Drive: 8 plays, 92 yards, 3:06.
- TB – Tom Brady 1-yard run (kick failed), 1:58. Buccaneers 30–21. Drive: 2 plays, 6 yards, 0:26.
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 49-yard field goal, 0:59. Buccaneers 30–24. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 0:59.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
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In a must win game, the Panthers visited the Buccaneers, and held a 14-0 lead at one point, but the Buccaneers were able to recover and win 30–24. Carolina fell to 6–10 and were officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Week 18: at New Orleans Saints
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 42-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 1:20.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
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The Panthers are able to hold the Saints to a touchdown and win 10–7. They finished the season 7–10, capping off the first season since 2018 the Panthers won more than five games.
Standings
Division
Conference
|
|
| #
|
Team
|
Division
|
W
|
L
|
T
|
PCT
|
DIV
|
CONF
|
SOS
|
SOV
|
STK
|
| Division leaders
|
| 1
|
Philadelphia Eagles
|
East
|
14
|
3
|
0
|
.824
|
4–2
|
9–3
|
.474
|
.460
|
W1
|
| 2[a]
|
San Francisco 49ers
|
West
|
13
|
4
|
0
|
.765
|
6–0
|
10–2
|
.417
|
.414
|
W10
|
| 3[a]
|
Minnesota Vikings
|
North
|
13
|
4
|
0
|
.765
|
4–2
|
8–4
|
.474
|
.425
|
W1
|
| 4
|
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
|
South
|
8
|
9
|
0
|
.471
|
4–2
|
8–4
|
.503
|
.426
|
L1
|
| Wild cards
|
| 5
|
Dallas Cowboys
|
East
|
12
|
5
|
0
|
.706
|
4–2
|
8–4
|
.507
|
.485
|
L1
|
| 6
|
New York Giants
|
East
|
9
|
7
|
1
|
.559
|
1–4–1
|
4–7–1
|
.526
|
.395
|
L1
|
| 7[b]
|
Seattle Seahawks
|
West
|
9
|
8
|
0
|
.529
|
4–2
|
6–6
|
.462
|
.382
|
W2
|
| Did not qualify for the postseason
|
| 8[b]
|
Detroit Lions
|
North
|
9
|
8
|
0
|
.529
|
5–1
|
7–5
|
.535
|
.451
|
W2
|
| 9
|
Washington Commanders
|
East
|
8
|
8
|
1
|
.500
|
2–3–1
|
5–6–1
|
.536
|
.449
|
W1
|
| 10
|
Green Bay Packers
|
North
|
8
|
9
|
0
|
.471
|
3–3
|
6–6
|
.524
|
.449
|
L1
|
| 11[c]
|
|
South
|
7
|
10
|
0
|
.412
|
4–2
|
6–6
|
.474
|
.437
|
W1
|
| 12[c][d]
|
New Orleans Saints
|
South
|
7
|
10
|
0
|
.412
|
2–4
|
5–7
|
.507
|
.462
|
L1
|
| 13[c][d]
|
Atlanta Falcons
|
South
|
7
|
10
|
0
|
.412
|
2–4
|
6–6
|
.467
|
.429
|
W2
|
| 14
|
Los Angeles Rams
|
West
|
5
|
12
|
0
|
.294
|
1–5
|
3–9
|
.517
|
.341
|
L2
|
| 15
|
Arizona Cardinals
|
West
|
4
|
13
|
0
|
.235
|
1–5
|
3–9
|
.529
|
.368
|
L7
|
| 16
|
Chicago Bears
|
North
|
3
|
14
|
0
|
.176
|
0–6
|
1–11
|
.571
|
.480
|
L10
|
| Tiebreakers[e]
|
- ^ a b San Francisco claimed the No. 2 seed over Minnesota based on conference record (10–2 vs. 8–4).
- ^ a b Seattle finished ahead of Detroit based on head-to-head victory, claiming the 7th and final playoff spot.
- ^ a b c Carolina finished ahead of New Orleans and Atlanta based on head-to-head record (3–1 vs. 2–2/1–3).
- ^ a b New Orleans finished ahead of Atlanta based on head-to-head sweep.
- ^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.
|
References
- ^ "Panthers part ways with head coach Matt Rhule". panthers.com. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
- ^ "Panthers blow fourth-quarter lead, officially eliminated with loss to Tampa Bay". wbtv.com. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
- ^ Patra, Kevin (September 27, 2021). "Jaguars trade 2020 first-round CB C.J. Henderson to Panthers for TE Dan Arnold". NFL.com. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
- ^ Dependent on Mayfield's playing time in 2022
- ^ Shook, Nick (July 6, 2022). "Browns trading Baker Mayfield to Panthers for 2024 conditional fifth-round draft pick". Retrieved July 6, 2022.
- ^ "Panthers agree to terms with 2022 undrafted free agents". panthers.com. Carolina Panthers. May 1, 2022.
- ^ "Panthers trade Christian McCaffrey to 49ers". Panthers.com. October 20, 2022. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
External links
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| Franchise | |
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| Stadiums | |
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| Culture and lore | |
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| Rivalries | |
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| Hall of Honor | |
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| Wild card berths (2) | |
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| Division championships (6) | |
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| Conference championships (2) | |
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| Retired numbers | |
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| Media | |
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| Current league affiliations | |
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