Panthers: Williams injury puts focus on offensive line

Carolina Panthers fans have to be even more concerned about the offensive line play…

Protecting Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is essential to the success of an offense built around the former No. 1 overall draft pick. Even with a new offensive coordinator, who is expected to immediately put his own fingerprints on the group although not much has been disclosed this early in the season, it is safe to assume Newton remains a major part of the offense.

Obviously, his protection will be key in addition to the offensive line creating consistent running lanes for ball carriers. If not, then a majority of the offense will depend on Newton’s ability to pass the football and opposing defenses will bring consistent pressure with no respect for his protection, mobility, or running the football.

A nightmare scenario, Panthers fans were already concerned with finding a replacement to fill the vacancy opened by left guard Andrew Norwell leaving in free agency and now an injury to starting tackle Daryl Williams creates another gaping hole.

Last season veteran center Ryan Kalil missed a significant amount of time up front but backup Tyler Larsen filled in admirably. Carolina can only hope whoever is tabbed to replace Norwell and now, Williams, contributes on a similar level.

Amini Silatolu has been receiving the first-team practice snaps at guard and it is expected second-year player, Taylor Moton, will see time at tackle but depth along the offensive front is an issue. Anytime a starter needs to be replaced, the talent pool obviously shrinks but now the Panthers are faced with filling two different roles in a short time frame.

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The silver lining may be that Williams’ injury occurred early enough in training camp that whoever coach Ron Rivera decides should fill his position will receive plenty of practice and preseason opportunities.

Also, Panthers fans don’t have to think back too far in order to quell any potential “Chicken Little” thoughts. In training camp of 2015, star wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin was sidelined for the season with a torn ACL and expectations were that Carolina and Newton would struggle.

The team rebounded with a near perfect regular season (15-1) and second ever franchise trip to the Super Bowl with Newton earning league MVP honors along the way. It was a dismal start, just a few weeks into the year but things turned out pretty well for the home team.

While it remains doubtful Rivera may catch lightning in a bottle twice during his coaching career, his past buys him at least some level of comfort knowing the Panthers will field a competitive team regardless of what obstacles stand in the way.

“Keep Pounding” has been the mantra for this organization for over a decade and despite the recent changes, should continue to prove appropriate this season.