The Blurred Line

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This NFL season is not a jolly one for the fans, players or front office of the Carolina Panthers. Tis the season to be frustrated, worried, angry and confused. The Carolina Panthers are currently 3-5-1 and are in second place in the NFC South. 

It might be time to deck the halls with boughs of players. What do I mean by this? I am talking about that terrible word that leaves a bitter taste in your mouth… we might of entered a “rebuilding” phase. The Panthers went from the second best defense last season to one of the worst defenses this season. The running game is absent and so is the protection from the offensive line. This team has a lot of issues on both sides of the ball and it doesn’t look like a quick fix.

Where should the Carolina Panthers start rebuilding?

I believe that the Panthers should focus their rebuilding efforts on the offensive line. This year the offensive line has been filled with injuries, new roles and retirements. Jordan Gross, Travelle Wharton, Geoff Hangartner and Jeff Byers all retired in the offseason leaving holes in the offensive line. As of week nine the injuries on the offensive line include: Trai Turner, Amini, Silatulo, and Nate Chandler. Who is filling in for these players? The panthers are relying on free agent signings and rookies. 

The front office will need to look at what the Dallas Cowboys have done with their draft picks over the past few seasons. The Cowboys drafted lineman with their first-round draft picks and they now have one of the best lines in the NFL. They drafted Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin. The only problem with this philosophy is that it takes time.

Who can they draft at OT?

  • Cedric Ogbuehi OT Texas A&M
  • Brandon Scherff OT Iowa
  • Andrus Peat OT Stanford
  • Ty Sambrailo OT Colorado State

Who can they draft at OG?

  • A.J. Cann OG South Carolina
  • Josue Matias OG Florida State
  • Arie Kouandjio OG Alabame
  • Tre’ Jackson OG Florida State

Who are the top players that are or might be available in free agency?

  • Mike Iupati (Injured) G San Francisco
  • Joe Barksdale OL St. Louis
  • James Carpenter OL Seattle
  • Michael Roos OT Tennessee
  • Doug Free OT Dallas

If the Panthers can get a solid offensive line in front of Cam Newton the offense will be able to produce efficiently. The running game will be able to come back and then the front office can work on improving the defensive secondary. The Philadelphia Eagles are a good example of how having a good offense and a decent defense can win football games.
Don’t worry Panthers fans the future is bright but we might have to be patient right now.

What will be the Carolina Panthers record at the end of this NFL season?

By Justin Raymond

Follow me on Twitter @JayRay19