Fansided

1 reason every NFL team can win the Super Bowl

By Andrew Garda

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; A member of the New England Patriots hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; A member of the New England Patriots hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 26, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) passes the ball as tackles Byron Bell (77) and Chris Scott (75) and guard Andrew Norwell (68) block and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) pressures in the third quarter. The Seahawks defeated the Panthers 13-9 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) passes the ball as tackles Byron Bell (77) and Chris Scott (75) and guard Andrew Norwell (68) block and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) pressures in the third quarter. The Seahawks defeated the Panthers 13-9 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers

If the Carolina Panthers are going to go further in the playoffs this year, much less win a Super Bowl, it starts in the trenches on the offensive line.

This was an offensive line that was tied for No. 12 in sacks allowed with 42 last season and was ranked No. 22 overall by Pro Football Focus. As PFF points out, it could have been much worse given Jordan Gross and Travelle Wharton retired. Carolina didn’t seem to adjust all that well—Byron Bell was abominable at left tackle—and while this didn’t result in quarterback Cam Newton being massacred behind the line, it made his job harder and took the knees out of the run game at time.

This offseason the Panthers signed Michael Oher to play left tackle and Jonathan Martin to back him up, drafted Daryl Williams as a potential right tackle or guard in the third round. It looks a lot different than it did last season, but is it improved?

If it’s going to play better, it starts with left tackle Oher, who has struggled after some decent early seasons when he first entered the NFL. The subject of The Blind Side (book or major motion picture, take your pick) has never really lived up to expectations and yet he’s at a very critical position in protecting Newton’s back.

Of course, in today’s NFL, the pressure comes from anywhere and everywhere, so Mike Remmers at right tackle and both guards have to step up their games.

If the offensive line can give Newton some time and if they can open lanes for the backfield, the Panthers have the talent to vie for—and perhaps win—their first Super Bowl.

Next: Baltimore Ravens

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