5 major factors behind Panthers’ shock win at the Cardinals in Week 10

Carolina Panthers OL was tremendous

Now that Cam Newton is back in the fold, perhaps the one remaining weakness is the offensive line. This is a group that’s come in for a fair amount of criticism this season and hopes weren’t exactly high for this group in Week 10 with Matt Paradis and Cam Erving missing.

However, they managed to raise their game accordingly with a fantastic display.

The protection did not give up a sack throughout the contest. Although there were some moments when the Arizona Cardinals defensive front overwhelmed them.

These ended up being fleeting, thankfully.

Taylor Moton was outstanding at the right tackle spot. The change in production from Pat Elflein after he was moved to the center position in place of Paradis was extraordinary.

Elflein came into the league as a center and played well for the Minnesota Vikings in this spot before they shifted him to guard after drafting Garrett Bradbury. The former Ohio State star now has an opportunity to make the position his own long-term.

Michael Jordan and Trent Scott continued their encouraging recent displays alongside Elflein on the interior. They held their own in pass protection and created some huge running lanes for Christian McCaffrey and others to utilize.

Aside from some ill-discipline from Dennis Daley at left tackle, this was as good as it’s been all season. Long may it continue.