4 most impressive 2019 Panthers players from Week 1
By Dean Jones
Greg Van Roten – Former Carolina Panthers OL
Greg Van Roten was a solid if not spectacular performer for the Carolina Panthers in 2019. But he was a sacrificial lamb to the big changes made to their protection throughout the offseason.
The guard didn’t last long on the free-agent market after signing a three-year, $10.5 million deal with the New York Jets that included $3 million guaranteed. Van Roten got off to a good start for his new team, who suffered their fair share of struggles overall in a disappointing 27-17 defeat to the Buffalo Bills.
Van Roten was one of the rare bright spots for the Jets, who look like they are going to be up against it in no uncertain terms this season if things do not come together quickly. He was an assured presence on the line of scrimmage for 56 offensive snaps on his way to a creditable 69.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.
This was a good start from a player of which much is expected at MetLife Stadium. It doesn’t appear likely that Van Roten will be able to make much of a difference to their difficulties on offense overall. But all the lineman can do is focus on his own game and hope others around him make the necessary adjustments in the coming weeks.