5 Carolina Panthers vital to success in Week 4 vs. the Cardinals
By Noah Bryce
Taylor Moton – Carolina Panthers OT
With all the focus on the left side of the offensive line, one disappointing thing has gone largely unnoticed. After being the one solid piece for the Carolina Panthers along their volatile protection, Taylor Moton has struggled to begin the season and that is alarming, to say the least.
Things did look up as a whole against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3 with the line keeping Baker Mayfield clean for the first time this season. However, this seeming regression is a concern for Moton.
The veteran right tackle will have to be on the top of his game against the living legend that is J.J. Watt. Even if the superstar is coming off a game with only one sack and tackle for loss on the box score.
Some years removed from the height of his edge-rushing prowess, Watt is still a huge problem for any offensive lineman and with the relative inconsistency of rookie Ikem Ekwonu, Moton has to stand up to keep at least one side locked down.
Mayfield hasn’t exactly lit up the field yet, so keeping the quarterback protected is priority No. 1. The Panthers will not win this game if Watt takes over.
Moton has to be the player we all expect him to be or it will be a long day at the office behind the line no matter how well the interior plays.