5 things that might go wrong for the Carolina Panthers in 2021

The Carolina Panthers offensive line could struggle again in 2021

The strength of an offensive line is arguably the most important part of an NFL team if they’re trying to be a contender.

The Carolina Panthers have struggled to build dominant or even very good protection schemes in recent memory for any of their revolving door of quarterbacks over the last couple of seasons.

Right tackle Taylor Moton is the only sure thing barring injury.

With new quarterback Sam Darnold joining the fold, Carolina managed to rebuild parts of the O-Line.

The signing of center Matt Paradis two years ago was a bust in Year 1. Even though he improved last season, it’s still up in the air on how he’ll perform this year on the final season of his contract.

Right guard John Miller had a solid year at right guard last season and re-signed a one-year deal this offseason. But the most important side of the line, the blindside, is where the questions arise.

Carolina hasn’t had a reliable left tackle since Jordan Gross retired in 2013, and the left guard spot was a rotating door of starters all of 2020.

The Panthers will hope either Cam Erving or Trent Scott can be the team’s ninth starter at left tackle in as many seasons, and Pat Elflein and be the starting LG.

Scott had some moments last year but hasn’t proven he is consistent. Erving is naturally more of a right tackle and hasn’t coped well on the edge during his career so far.

Carolina is hoping there is more depth this season in case problems arise, but this team will only go as far as the OL takes them. Brady Christensen is the unknown and if he can hit the ground running, the third-round pick might just be a difference-maker during his rookie campaign.