3 keys to victory for the Carolina Panthers at Saints in Week 17
By Noah Bryce
Carolina Panthers must start Deonte Brown
John Miller and Michael Jordan are not the answer, it’s long overdue that we saw if Deonte Brown is.
Miller and Jordan were once again a disaster at guard and a large reason for the seven sacks the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to pile up on Sunday. This is not a new thing either, it’s something that’s been consistent all season.
At least the team finally smartened up and put Brady Christensen where he belongs and performed very well at left tackle all things considered. But that is not enough.
Brown has been hampered by injuries and apparent issues with weight this season. However, the massive rookie is finally healthy and ready to prove that he has something to give this Carolina Panthers team.
If Brown gets his feet set you aren’t moving that much man off his spot and one pities any linebacker that finds himself in the rookie’s sights when he has a head of steam behind him. The only real knock is the former Alabama star’s lack of side-to-side athleticism.
It couldn’t possibly be any worse than what the team is trotting out right now either way. Carolina cannot be in the business of letting underperforming veterans blow games while leaving rookies on the sideline without a chance to develop or show what they are capable of.
The offensive line has been a catastrophe of the team’s own making this season. Admitting you were wrong is one of the hardest things that a human can do, but it’s time to admit the mistake and work to fix it.
A starting line of Christensen-Jordan-Pat Elflein-Brown-Taylor Moton just might be the winning answer the team has been looking for. But if the team doesn’t give Brown the chance we will never know.