4 underrated contributors for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
James Campen – Carolina Panthers OL coach
Much has been made of the offensive line’s improvements in 2022. Every new signing hit the ground running, the unit remained relatively healthy until late on, and Brady Christensen’s transition to the interior went better than anticipated.
The players deserve enormous credit, and rightfully so. However, the impact made by offensive line coach James Campen was a key catalyst behind an outstanding resurgence.
Campen joined the Carolina Panthers last spring and it didn’t take long for his methods to bear fruit. The experienced coach is widely regarded as one of the league’s best position coaches, which was a substantial asset from the moment he got into the building.
The progression of players like Christensen and Ikem Ekwonu were just two examples of Campen’s superior methods having the necessary impression. Bradley Bozeman’s seamless transition into the starting lineup at short notice was another.
Campen even got a tune out of Pat Elflein before his season was cut short due to injury. No matter who the next head coach is, they must find a way to keep Campen around unless they have a jaw-dropping replacement in mind.
Continuity is the key to offensive line success. Not only on the playing side but in terms of coaching too.