Panthers Power Rankings: Preseason Game 1
Final Ranking – No. 11
The consensus ranking for each of these polls puts Carolina between No. 11 and 12 to begin the 2018 season. Given the recent rash of injuries on both sides of the football and fear it’s time to panic about the offensive line, this seems potentially a bit too high.
However, the good news remains that it’s still early in the year and whoever coach Ron Rivera tabs as replacements should have plenty of time for development. Let’s also not forget that when Kelvin Benjamin, the team’s leading wide receiver, went down prior to 2015 that a Super Bowl trip followed.
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Before arguing the difference between wide receiver and offensive line, fans need only to travel back a bit further to find another reason for optimism. A once undrafted free agent signee named Andrew Norwell joined the starting group midway through the 2014 season, playing alongside another undrafted teammate who was replacing a legend.
Both Mike Remmers, who took over for Jordan Gross at tackle and Norwell established themselves as consistent and capable linemen in front of Newton. The team enjoyed three consecutive divisional titles and playoff berths behind them, before Norwell left to become the highest paid player at his position.
John Matsko has been responsible for offensive line play since 2011 and has a history of developing talent. Brendan Mahon, another undrafted free agent, may be the next in a string of consistent linemen coached by Matsko.
OL Injury Replacement Options. dark. Next
Despite changes all around this offseason, he remains in place providing a steady hand on the Panthers current situation.