4 silver linings from the Panthers’ Week 9 loss at the Chiefs
By Dean Jones
3. The Carolina Panthers got impressive protection on the right
Although the left side of their offensive line was an obvious disappointment, the Carolina Panthers are getting some outstanding production from two players on the opposite side of the protection.
Taylor Moton and John Miller are developing an impressive partnership that might serve the team well for the remainder of the season and beyond. The duo provided some nice running lanes for Christian McCaffrey to work on and was extremely solid in passing situations, giving Teddy Bridgewater some much-needed breathing space to go through his progressions.
Moton, in particular, has been absolutely sensational this season. The right tackle is among the NFL’s best edge protectors and his importance to Carolina’s prospects of becoming a postseason contender sooner rather than later is no longer in question.
Extending Moton should priority No. 1 for the Panthers this offseason. This is sure to come at a significant financial cost, but judging by the way the former second-round pick has performed, it’ll be money well spent.
Miller’s contribution throughout the campaign is another positive that shouldn’t be overlooked. The free-agent signing has solidified an area vacated by Trai Turner after he was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers and there is a good chance Carolina extends his stay longer than the one-year, $4 million deal he signed during free agency.