Despite taking a step backwards at quarterback, the Panthers should be able to field a respectable offense this year. They have the best running back in the NFL, one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the league and an innovative offensive coordinator on their side.
The big question is how well the team’s offensive line will function after going through some major changes this offseason. Three starters are gone and there’s a new position coach leading the group.
According to Pro Football Focus, Carolina’s new-look offensive line ranks No. 17 in the league going into 2020. They see the tackles as the unit’s strength.
“When healthy, Okung has graded just above average as a pass blocker against a tough slate of pass-rushers in the AFC West, and he’s solid in the run game. On the other side, only 15 tackles have a better pass-blocking grade than Taylor Moton’s 82.6 mark over the last three years, and he ranks 10th in pass-block grade on true pass sets.”
The interior of the line is much more shaky, though.
The Panthers will need center Matt Paradis to have a big rebound season if this group is going to live up to expectations. An upgrade at one of the guard spots wouldn’t hurt either.