5 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers vs. Eagles in Week 5
By Brian Lane
Brady Christensen will start and stay at LT
Brady Christensen, the third-round offensive tackle from BYU, has seen minimal to no meaningful snaps this year.
Starting left tackle Cameron Erving has been slowed by an injured neck and has yet to see the practice field this week. He has also been slowed by unacceptable play.
Dallas’ defense was able to sack Sam Darnold five times on Sunday and hit him 11 times. That is just an unacceptable stat if the Carolina Panthers are going to be taken seriously as a playoff contender.
Christensen was drafted as a left tackle out of college. Whether Matt Rhule and staff think he profiles better as a guard or not, it’s time to see him in some game action.
The lineman posted a 96 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2020, which happens to be a new record for an offensive lineman. He also protected the blindside of Zach Wilson, who was Sam Darnold’s replacement n the New York Jets after becoming the No. 2 overall selection.
Taylor Moton is the only stable presence on the offensive line as of right now. Erving has been inconsistent, John Miller has yet to get his feet under him after his Week 1 absence due to COVID protocols. Pat Elflein is on IR and Dennis Daley in his absence hasn’t made anyone comfortable with his play.
We are at the point where external options are no longer available, so it is time to see what you have internally. Look for Christensen to get a chance this week and hopefully parlay that into several starts or full-time action at left tackle moving forward.
It would also be worth seeing what the Panthers have in sixth-round pick Deonte Brown at one of the guard positions. He started all 13 games for Alabama last season, giving up a total of one quarterback pressure.