4 biggest surprises of the Panthers’ season through Week 4
By Dean Jones
Matt Paradis – Carolina Panthers C
One could argue that the entire offensive line of the Carolina Panthers could be considered a surprise due to their high level of production through Week 4. But considering the pressure that was on center Matt Paradis heading into the campaign, he is more than worthy of some individual praise.
The offensive lineman was looking to bounce back after a disappointing campaign that put his long-term future with the franchise in doubt. Paradis signed a three-year, $29 million deal to prise his away from the Denver Broncos in 2019 free agency and it didn’t look as if it was money well spent last season.
The former sixth-round pick deserves an enormous amount of credit for hitting the ground running this time around. Paradis has been an assured presence on the interior and has yet to give up a sack or penalty from 265 offensive snaps.
This is a hugely encouraging start to the campaign for Paradis, who has also developed impressive chemistry with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater on the line of scrimmage. Considering they didn’t have a preseason schedule before competitive action got underway, it is another feather in the cap of a player who is starting to live up to his big-money billing.
Paradis will be brimming with confidence after the first month of the campaign. But what comes next for the player will be equally as important.