New Orleans Saints and not Carolina Panthers? No way

Jul 31, 2015; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers tackle Michael Oher (73) walks to the field during training camp held at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Question:  What was the worst offseason move by the Panthers?

Answer:  Failing to sufficiently upgrade their offensive tackles.  Byron Bell and Nate Chandler were awful last year, but Michael Oher is already well past his best-before date, and Mike Remmers is a human turnstile.

Rebuttal:  Well, I have to agree with Lake that Bell and Chandler were awful last year.  But who does not agree with that?  However, I am not able to agree with Lake regarding Oher.  A healthy Oher, which as far as we know he is, will contribute.  He will protect Cam’s blindside and create room in the running game.  So far in camp, the media has tried to say Oher is not the one to help out the offensive line, but the only that matters is the coaches and Rivera likes what he has seen from Oher.  Oher will play a big factor on the field, as well as through his veteran mentality.

Question:  Who will have the most impact for the Panthers in 2015?

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Answer:  Newton.  The quarterback is (almost) always the most important guy on the team, but Newton is doubly important because of his feet, which he’ll need to use a lot this year playing behind that offensive line.

Rebuttal:  I have to say, I disagree with Lake on this one.  Yes, Cam is a huge factor in the running and passing game, as well as his leadership on the field.  But I think it will be Kelvin Benjamin.  Going into his second year, he has to back-up his rookie numbers of over 1,000 yards receiving and not hit a ‘sophomore slump’.  Plus, rookie wide receiver Devin Funchess is going to look to Benjamin to help him get adjusted to the league.  Funchess will look to the veterans as well, but being Benjamin experienced rookie pains last year, he can easily relate to Benjamin’s experiences.  Also, Benjamin has to improve his hands and if he has to put glue on his gloves to eliminate as many dropped balls, he better do that.

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