The Carolina Panthers are facing significant challenges this season, primarily due to injuries along their offensive line. After a rough game against the Chicago Bears, where the Panthers lost 36-10, the impact of these injuries is becoming increasingly apparent panthers.
Key players, including starting center Austin Corbett and right tackle Taylor Moton, have been sidelined, leading to a patchwork offensive line that struggled to protect quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton was sacked three times and managed only 136 yards passing before being replaced by rookie Bryce Young late in the game. The team also faced injuries to tight end Tommy Tremble and rookie receiver Xavier Legette, further complicating their offensive strategy(
Head coach Dave Canales has emphasized the need for the remaining players to step up in the face of adversity. “These are impact injuries… another challenge and another opportunity for guys to step up,” he stated, acknowledging the violent nature of the sport and the risks that come with it(
Despite the setbacks, Canales remains committed to Dalton as the starting quarterback, indicating the veteran will lead the team in their upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons(
Added Ikem Ekwonu on Nijman, “Obviously he’s a bigger guy. He’s got great technique but, I feel like, really buys into the mindset that we have, we want to dominate people. I feel like he really buys into that.”
Even having the experience of Nijman on hand to take over, losing Moton is still a knock not only on the field, but for what his mere presence represented. Ahead of Sunday’s exit, Moton had 104 consecutive starts since 2018 and had played 6,787 consecutive snaps.
Said Canales of the streak: “Guys are always going to have things that you got to find a way to work through. And I think that as we continue to build this team, the guys that can find a way to make their way back to practice in some way, shape or form, and that trust factor that goes back and forth between the medical staff, the coaching staff, the players taking all that information and saying, ‘OK, what can we get out of this day because every day is so important.’ For Taylor to do that, to have that kind of a streak, you know he was working through things, and for him to be able to find a way to get back out there, it speaks volumes to who we want to be as a team.”
Canales said Monday that the scheme could change “within reason,” but that’s part of the approach anyways week-to-week, when looking at where the pass rushers are on the opposing defense.
The starting five on the line had been a bright spot for the Panthers in the first quarter of the season, consistently grading out as one of the best units each week. Ekwonu feels confident though that the line can maintain its production thanks to the fact Christensen has 24 starts with the Panthers under his belt.
“It’s good, you know, obviously having that chemistry, not having to start from ground zero, it’s definitely gonna be helpful for us,” Ekwonu said of playing with Christensen.
“Brady, I mean, I can’t say enough about Brady. I think he’s played literally every position that you can ask him to play on offensive line. So definitely impressive, you know, the skill set that he has and definitely excited to have that chemistry with him already.”
Christensen first took center snaps in OTAs this offseason. He’s been watching Corbett, who also made the switch from guard to center, though and is ready to take over.
“I’ve been working on it for a while and feel confident in the playbook and the protections and everything,” Christensen said on Monday. “So I’m just going to study my butt off this week and get ready to go. I’m excited. I’m going to have a lot of fun and, just, you know, excited for the opportunity.”
