What the Carolina Panthers should do with their starting OL

What offensive line combination could be the best one moving forward for the Carolina Panthers once everyone returns to full health?

One of the main factors behind such an inconsistent season for the Carolina Panthers has been the offensive line. This was an area of the field that posed real concerns before a competitive snap took place after strange free-agent signings and waiting until Round 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft to strengthen their protection.

This is something that’s blown up in their face.

The Panthers‘ pass protection is comfortably among the league’s worst and although things are marginally better in run support, it’s nothing like the level we’ve seen from contending teams across the NFL.

There’s only one consistent presence, which is stud right tackle Taylor Moton. The coaching staff has chopped and changed the line plenty in pursuit of finding the right formula, which hasn’t transpired as yet and they put together their worst performance of the season at the Miami Dolphins in Week 12.

Something’s got to give here. Either find the right solutions with what you have or make this your top priority during the offseason.

Preference is definitely for the latter.

Carolina Panthers OL needs a big-time makeover.

Despite the clear need for additional reinforcements, the Panthers somehow find themselves in the playoff race with a 5-7 record. Moving forward with a run-first approach might help, but this unit is obviously lacking in the necessary quality or confidence after a torrid campaign outside of an encouraging three games around midseason.

Now is the time for Carolina to see what they truly have in Brady Christensen. The rookie was benched after coming in against the Washington Football Team and performing well, with the staff even slotting him in at left guard and keeping Dennis Daley on the blindside when the BYU product saw the field in Week 12.

An astonishing decision.

Deonte Brown is now active and must be used. The Alabama product’s been a non-factor due to injury and weight issues as a rookie and there won’t be a better time to throw him in at the deep end and see how the sixth-round selection gets on.

Switching Cam Erving from tackle onto the interior would also be beneficial. This is where the former Florida State star has performed much better as a pro and his poor production on the edge is costing the team in a big way when healthy.

There’s been a noticeable difference in Pat Elflein’s production since switching to the center spot. This is a position he occupied at Ohio State and his rookie year with the Minnesota Vikings, and the Panthers don’t have much in the way of viable alternatives after Matt Paradis tore his ACL.

With this in mind, here is the offensive line we would deploy once Erving comes off the reserve/injured list.

• Brady Christensen (LT)
• Cam Erving (LG)
• Pat Elflein (C)
• Deonte Brown (RG)
• Taylor Moton (RT)

Not exactly world-beating.

But it might be a substantial improvement on anything we’ve seen this season.

This obviously leaves the likes of John Miller, Dennis Daley, Michael Jordan, and Trent Scott on the outside looking in. Although in Jordan’s case, he needs to be ready at a moment’s notice if Brown cannot handle the responsibility.

Only time will tell, obviously. But if this unit doesn’t make the right sort of improvements, the Panthers aren’t going to go anywhere fast.