4 pivotal traits the Carolina Panthers must adopt in 2022

Carolina Panthers need tenacity upfront

The line of scrimmage is the most under-spoken part of a football game. Whether an offensive line can protect in the passing game and create running lanes when required makes a massive difference.

We’ve seen in the postseason how star quarterbacks get battered and bruised due to a defenses  pass rush. We’ve also seen that same defensive line close up gaps and make the run non-existent.

According to Pro Football Focus, the Carolina Panthers finished No. 31 in the league when it came to offensive line play, with only the Miami Dolphins below them. The protection holds an average PFF rating of 60.72, which would have been far worse had it not been for Taylor Moton grade of 77.8.

One of the reasons why their PFF ratings were so low was because the amount of sacks that the Panthers allowed. With 52 given up, they’re 27th in terms of quarterback takedowns allowed in 2021.

Having a line with tenacity and nastiness upfront is something that can be either acquired via the draft or free agency, or [erhaps even taught in training camp. With all the uncertainty  surrounding third-rounder Brady Christensen and lack of big investment in the offensive line PFF said it best when speaking on the Panther’s offensive line unit:

"“This offensive line performance was a true case of reaping what you sow.”"