4 disappointing Carolina Panthers players vs. the Saints in Week 2

Pat Elflein – Carolina Panthers OG

It’s not been the easiest start to life with the Carolina Panthers for Pat Elflein. Not entirely unexpected considering the preseason concerns about his ability to provide consistent pass protection.

In fairness to the former Ohio State star, Elflein’s run blocking has been above average on occasions. But the lineman has to do better when it comes to protecting quarterback Sam Darnold and allowing the player to go through his progressions.

Elflein was forced off the field in the second half with an injury that will keep him out at the Houston Texans. Whether things get better in his absence is another matter entirely.

Bringing in Elflein was a big risk by the Panthers. His 50.6 grade from Pro Football Focus over two games tells plenty about the standard of production he’s given so far.

With Brady Christensen and Dennis Daley looking to surpass Elflein on the depth chart, it’s all the more surprising that Carolina gave the player a two-year contract in free agency. Something that makes it difficult to release the lineman if he cannot turn things around.

The Panthers have had things easy so far. This is down to their outstanding defense and a ruthless approach in the first half, but as stated previously, the challenges are going to get far sterner between now and the end of the campaign.

When it inevitably becomes tougher in the trenches, Elflein might be exposed further unless significant improvements are made.