Panthers should be concerned about their offensive line
The Panthers spent a lot of time acquiring weapons for Cam Newton this summer, but they neglected to address issues on the offensive line.
When Cam Newton is your starting quarterback, your goal is clearly going to be winning the Super Bowl. That’s certainly true for the Carolina Panthers. Unfortunately, the team’s offensive line may ultimately put that lofty goal out of reach.
Ron Rivera may not be concerned about Trai Turner’s recurring knee issues, but there are plenty of other things on the offensive line to worry about. Specifically, the team’s decision to let Andrew Norwell walk in free agency has destabilized the group. He may not be worth the contract Jacksonville gave him, but he still leaves a massive hole at left guard for the Panthers.
There really isn’t a high-quality option on the roster to step in and take Norwell’s spot. Jeremiah Sirles was brought in from Minnesota and he’ll have a chance to grab the starting spot. His ceiling is likely becoming an adequate starting guard in the NFL. That’s a big step down from Norwell’s Pro Bowl production from last year.
The higher-ceiling option would be to allow 2017 second round pick Taylor Moton a chance to win the job. He was drafted primarily as a tackle but he does have the versatility to slide inside. Currently, he’s projected to back up D.J. Williams at the right tackle spot. Moving him to left guard would leave Carolina thin at tackle, but taking care of the starting positions has to be the team’s first priority.
In fairness, the left guard issue wouldn’t be as much of a concern if the rest of the line seemed to be in really good shape. Turner and Williams give Rivera a really solid right side of the line. There are serious questions everywhere else.
Ryan Kalil has already informed the team this will be his last season. He battled significant injuries last season as well. Counting on him to provide 16 games of quality production is a pretty significant gamble. Tyler Larsen is a capable backup at center, but he’s not going to blossom into a Pro Bowler anytime soon.
The issues at left tackle are more severe. Matt Kalil failed to live up to his big contract in his first season in Carolina. He wasn’t the complete disaster that some pundits predicted, but his play protecting Newton’s blind side was average at best. If he misses any time due to injury it could be disastrous for the Panthers offense.
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When you look at the group as a whole, everything has to go right for the Panthers to be a real threat in the NFC this season. That’s not impossible, but it is improbable. The team’s decision to ignore their offensive line issues this offseason may come back to haunt them.