4 most disappointing Carolina Panthers in Week 1 win vs. NY Jets
By Dean Jones
Pat Elflein – Carolina Panthers OG
The concerns surrounding Pat Elflein were no secret coming into the season. Although there were some nice moments in the first half from the veteran guard, his performance overall did nothing to dispel the notion he’ll become a weak link over time.
Elflein gave up a costly penalty that denied the Panthers a certain touchdown. He also looked flustered on multiple occasions after the break once the Jets figured out things a little better on their defensive front.
The former Ohio State player will get all he can handle against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. A challenge he needs to be ready for in no uncertain terms if he wants his status within the organization to last much longer.
There’s little doubt Elflein’s production has steadily regressed after a promising first season right out of the gate with the Minnesota Vikings. This is his last chance to prove his doubters wrong, but the flaws in his game were there for all to see.
New Orleans and their talented defensive front will see this for themselves studying the tape in the lead-up to next weekend’s clash. Unless Elflein raises his game accordingly, it could very well be a long afternoon for quarterback Sam Darnold.