4 Panthers players on offense under pressure to perform in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players on offense could be under the most pressure to perform when competitive action gets underway in 2021?
There is a lot riding on the 2021 campaign for the Carolina Panthers. Last season was one of rebuilding for an organization that underwent a substantial makeover to its roster and coaching staff, but they were far more competitive than most expected before eventually finishing with a 5-11 record for the second straight year.
If Matt Rhule got a mulligan for his opening year as head coach, that will not be a luxury he’s afforded this time around. The Panthers have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball and expectations have increased as a result, so providing lessons have been taken on board by the former Baylor man and his staff in difficult circumstances, it should serve them well in pursuit of progression.
Considering the weapons at Carolina’s disposal offensively, they should be able to make some noise. Coordinator Joe Brady got some head coaching interest in the offseason with a bunch of interviews, but teams decided that he was a little inexperienced for a top job after just one year calling plays at the next level.
That might not be the case if the Panthers reach new heights next season. Here are four players under the most pressure to perform on offense in 2021.
Player No. 1
Brady Christensen – Carolina Panthers OT
Putting a rookie onto this list might seem a little harsh. But considering Brady Christensen could be the Day 1 starter at left tackle, there is an incredible amount of pressure on his shoulders.
The Panthers obviously see something in the lineman having moved up in the third round to draft the BYU product. Christensen’s exemplary protection of Zach Wilson’s blindside stood out like a sore thumb on tape during the evaluation process and if he can successfully transition this to the professional ranks, it’s going to make a substantial difference.
There are some concerns about Christensen’s arm length at the next level. However, the athleticism is off the charts and if he can hit the ground running it might just be the long-term answer Carolina has been looking for at the position ever since Jordan Gross retired in 2013.
High stakes, obviously. But Christensen is sure to relish the challenge.