After an abysmal performance from the offensive line in the preseason opener against the Jets, fans have begun to wonder if this problem will go beyond the preseason. Panthers offensive line struggles aren’t a new issue, but fans hope that they will be limited once the real season begins. Are these issues truly just a preseason hiccup, or will they persist to hamper the offense down the line?
Preseason Week 1
It was hard to miss the issues on the offensive line in the first week of the preseason. Bryce Young and Matt Corral faced immediate pressure on almost every snap, resulting in being sacked a combined five times.
Even the throws they managed to get off were typically under heavy duress. It effectively shut down the offense, and was the team’s main downfall in the 27-0 loss.
The Offensive Tackles
The Panthers have welcomed Young into a promising situation, especially considering the players on the outside of their line. It wasn’t a pretty first outing, but fans should expect high-level play from their offensive tackles this season.
Taylor Moton has been a staple of the Panthers offensive line for over a half-decade now. He was drafted with the 64th pick in 2017, and is now one of the longest-tenured players on the roster. As the team’s right tackle, he will play across from Ikem Ekwonu.
Ekwonu, the team’s hopeful franchise left tackle, was selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2022 draft. He had an impressive rookie season, and has been tagged as having the potential to have a breakout sophomore season. The NC State product had some rough moments in the preseason opener, but will likely settle back into his reliable role once the season begins.
Other Guaranteed Starters (For Now)
Following four years in Baltimore to begin his career, center Bradley Bozeman signed a one-year deal with Carolina in 2022. He quickly grew accustomed to being a Panther, and became an integral part of the team. So much so that bringing him back was a top priority for the front office this offseason. They managed to do just that, bringing him back on a three-year, $18 million deal.
Expected to start to his left will be third-year guard Brady Christensen. Christensen was selected by Carolina in the third round of the 2021 draft, and quickly became a starter. Despite this, he is still seen as a question mark in terms of the long term plan for the o-line. If he fails to meet expectations this year, he could find himself as a backup in future seasons.
The Question Marks
The most likely player to take over for Christensen down the road is Chandler Zavala. The Panthers took Zavala with the 114th pick in this year’s draft after high praise from his former college teammate, Ikem Ekwonu. Zavala will ideally fill in as the Panthers’ left guard of the future, but may have to begin his career as a backup. This depends on how the next few weeks go.
With starting right guard Austin Corbett still recovering from his ACL tear in last season’s final game, the Panthers are looking for an answer as to who will fill the fifth and final spot on the line. Zavala is a definite option should the team already deem him fit to start an NFL game.
Head coach Frank Reich has noted that Zavala is in a training camp battle with undrafted free agent Nash Jensen for the spot. This is only expected to be for the preseason, as second-year guard Cade Mays will likely be named the fifth starter once he progresses beyond a minor injury. Whether he holds that position over Zavala will depend on his level of play. Either way, this gives Carolina a chance to take a look at both players before Corbett makes his return. Adding Corbett back into the mix will certainly bolster the line, as could a swap at left guard if Zavala or Mays prove they should surpass Christensen.
The best thing about the Panthers’ situation is that they’ve given themselves options. Between securing veterans in free agency and finding young talent through the draft, there’s no shortage of ways to fill these five all-important slots. The trial period won’t be visually appealing, but the coaching staff should be able to find the right combination to protect their rookie quarterback.
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Featured image courtesy of the Carolina Panthers.
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