2022 Michigan Panthers season as I’ve stated time and time again has completely underwhelmed for squad that should have been way better than their 2-8 record. Week in and week out Panthers fans were forced to watch a squad that would always seem to be on the cusp of victory, however, would end a couple plays short of a game winning touchdown or field goal. Below are four players that came into 2022 with high expectations and ultimately came well short of that.
You can’t start this list without mentioning the Number One Overall Pick of the 2022 USFL draft Shea Patterson. It was supposed to be a match made in heaven the Michigan Man, leads the return of the 2022 USFL’s Michigan Panthers. It unfortunately did not end up with the storybook ending many Panthers fans hoped for. Patterson started 5 games for the Panthers and was ultimately released and signed by the Panthers.
Though not done any favors by his offensive line and early drops of his receiving corps, Patterson did do a decent job of making plenty of highlights with his legs, however he never seemed to get fully comfortable playing in Jeff Fisher and Eric Marty’s offense. Now with the Breakers Patterson has the ability to get another crack at being a starting quarterback, with Kyle Sloter departing for the Jaguars.
Someone who many thought would continue his dominance was Cavon Walker. Walker led the XFL in Sacks in 2020 however, his status as a premier interior rusher was absent in 2022. Walker though he was able to provide decent rushing defense, was missing from an extremely underwhelming Panthers Pass Rush. Walker did end the year with 3.0 sacks, however his season was more notable for his scuffle with Chase DeMoor than making hits on the Quarterback.
Speaking of Chase DeMoor, he’s another Panther who completely underwhelmed in 2022. In games DeMoor was known more for his TikTok’s and social media presence than his play on the field. DeMoor was supposed to be one of those athletic 3rd door pass rushers, however only managed 3 tackles during his short stay with the Panthers. His ineffectiveness was so noticeable that upon his released the Panthers would bring in Ventral McMillan who would register a Sack in his first game active.
The former Clemson Nation Champion Center Sean Pollard was supposed to be the anchor of a Panthers Offensive Line, that once again underwhelmed this year. Pollard began the season vs the Gamblers with mis-snap after mis-snap and seemed to be haggard by injuries throughout the rest of the season.
Pollard would start seven games for the Panthers in 2022 however, left much to be desired for. Hopefully, the Panthers center can find his stride in 2023 as the Panthers Offensive line needs be able to provide better passing protection for whoever is playing Quarterback next season.
