5 things Matt Rhule can take from OTAs and mandatory minicamp
By Dean Jones
The offensive line problem
This seems like a recurring theme for the Carolina Panthers and one that has the potential to cause some serious problems. The offensive line wasn’t up to the required standard in 2020 and if the same situation befalls the organization next season, then they can kiss their chances of a surprise playoff berth goodbye.
Perhaps only right tackle Taylor Moton and center Matt Paradis are definite starters at this juncture. It wouldn’t be the biggest shock in the world to see Brady Christensen occupy a position, but whether that’s going to be as a guard or left tackle remains to be seen.
Cam Erving also has his sights set on the blindside spot, which is a feast or famine prospect, to put it mildly.
Veterans John Miller, Dennis Daley, and Pat Elflein also harbor ambitions of prominent reps, with sixth-round pick Deonte Brown arriving on the back of a sensational college career at Alabama.
This is a riddle that Matt Rhule must not only solve.
But also get absolutely spot on.
Any complications in this area of the field are going to be catastrophic for Sam Darnold. The signal-caller was afforded anything like sound protection on the New York Jets and nothing good is going to happen if similar transpires on his new team.