4 Carolina Panthers players who’ve regressed after early 2022 promise
By Dean Jones
Brady Christensen – Carolina Panthers OL
Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was not one the Carolina Panthers’ offensive line should going to dwell on too much. They were overwhelmed by a dominant defensive front led by high-caliber players such as T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Alex Highsmith, which wasn’t in keeping with how this unit’s performed in 2022.
It’s unfair to judge the Panthers’ protection based on one contest. This is among the league’s most improved groups after some significant investment this offseason and the introduction of offensive line coach James Campen, who’s worked wonders and must be kept around no matter which way David Tepper goes with his next head coach.
Another positive was Brady Christensen‘s transition to left guard. His partnership with No. 6 overall selection Ikem Ekwonu looks like a long-term arrangement that can solidify one side of the line, but there’s been some slight regression from the BYU product after the brightest start imaginable.
Christensen has some discipline issues with 10 penalties conceded. His run blocking also needs work if the 2021 third-round pick wants to take things to the next level moving forward.
Even though Christensen hasn’t kept up his promising opening to the campaign, there isn’t much cause for concern. This is his first full season as a starter in an unfamiliar position, so he’s only going to get better next year and beyond.