4 things Panthers HC Matt Rhule must get right in 2021

Fix the protection

Another area that caused the Carolina Panthers’ undoing last season was the offensive line. They weren’t as bad as many thought they’d be heading into the campaign. But more will be needed if Matt Rhule wants to make the playoffs in his second year at the helm.

Four of the five starters last season are out of contract, with the future of center Matt Paradis also under the microscope given the financial savings involved with his early release. This could mean big changes across the protection in free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft, which would be welcome in the grand scheme of things.

Priority No. 1 for the Panthers is to re-sign Taylor Moton. The right tackle is a force to be reckoned with and although Carolina will have to pay a premium to extend the former second-round pick, he is worth every cent.

This is also a deep class of incoming college recruits across the line of scrimmage. Addressing the need for better options early in the draft is a definite possibility, with Rhule getting a good look at some top prospects during his time coaching at the Senior Bowl.

If the Panthers can become more efficient, particularly in pass coverage, then it will give whoever is distributing the football under center some additional time to go through their progressions. It’s possible this can make all the difference to an offense that is still loaded with dynamic playmakers.