5 Panthers players with work to do after Week 1 vs. NY Jets
By Dean Jones
Matt Paradis – Carolina Panthers C
As was the case with most of the offensive line outside of Taylor Moton, the second half left many wondering just how this unit is going to cope against some top-class defensive fronts upcoming on the schedule.
This was a concern that grew even more with Matt Rhule’s comments about quarterback Sam Darnold being under duress too much. Not exactly breaking news considering this is a patchwork group formed by the Carolina Panthers in a critical area of the field.
Matt Paradis is the elder statesman now and was named a team captain by the Panthers prior to the campaign. His run blocking certainly looked the part in the first period, but once the Jets made some notable adjustments at halftime it was a different story after the break.
Paradis and the entire interior protection spent the second half on roller stakes. Something that significantly hampered Sam Darnold’s ability to build on a very promising first half.
There wasn’t much on-field time for the Panthers’ line to familiarize themselves with game situations during the preseason. And considering how much they struggled against an under-strength Pittsburgh Steelers, this latest outing didn’t exactly fill anybody with confidence.
The Boise State product is fighting for his future in the final year of his deal. Although Paradis will still get more than $9 million from the Panthers in 2022 even if he isn’t around after a contract restructure.