4 huge threats the Panthers must contain at NY Giants in Week 2
By Preston Seyl
Carolina Panthers must contain Leonard Wiliams
Leonard Williams can wreck the game if the Carolina Panthers offensive line doesn’t step up to the plate and contain him. He is a fierce presence against the run and is more than capable of giving quarterback Baker Mayfield a hard time when opportunities arise.
Williams had 6.5 sacks and 22 pressures in 2021. The former first-round pick has been a premier player in the NFL, especially under Patrick Graham, who is now defensive coordinator with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Wink Martindale is an excellent defensive coordinator that will find ways to get Williams in favorable matchups. Carolina’s protection has another stiff test in taking on the USC product and when you also factor Dexter Lawrence into the equation, it makes the New York Giants’ defensive line a force to be reckoned with.
The offensive line is going to go through growing pains as the season goes on. Especially on the left side with rookie tackle Ikem Ekwonu and second-year-pro Brady Christensen on the interior.
Offensive coordinators will attack the Panthers’ left side until the duo proves they become a prolific tandem. Expect to see stunts and overload pressures featuring Williams in Week 2, putting a lot of stress on the inexperienced duo from start to finish.