5 Panthers players whose hype train is rolling after Week 3 triumph

Pat Elflein – Carolina Panthers OL

The criticism of Pat Elflein was heavy and sustained from the moment he joined the Carolina Panthers. Many within the fanbase and across the media wondered why the offensive lineman was handed such a lucrative contract after bombing out on the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets, with his lackluster production at the guard spot doing nothing to prove these claims as false.

Now, Elflein looks like a valuable contributor. The former third-round selection improved after replacing Matt Paradis at the center position in 2021 and this has once again been evident over the early stages of the current campaign.

Despite calls to replace Elflein with free-agent signing Bradley Bozeman this offseason, the Ohio State product held off the challenge and firmly established himself as the No. 1 option until further notice.

Had Bozeman not gone down with an injury just before the campaign, things might have been different. But with an 82.0 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, Elflein is thoroughly deserving of all the plaudits coming his way.

There wasn’t a time when Elflein looked like a concern against a stout New Orleans Saints defensive front. Another strong indicator of the player’s preference for the center spot and how well he’s managed to turn things around.