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NFC South Offseason Questions

By Eric Robinson

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches the ball over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves (28) for a touchdown during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches the ball over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves (28) for a touchdown during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil (67) prepares to snap the ball to quarterback Cam Newton (1) during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil (67) prepares to snap the ball to quarterback Cam Newton (1) during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers: Can the offensive line improve?

The Panthers have a focus on providing better blocking for franchise quarterback Cam Newton. That was apparent with the drafting of Western Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Moton in the second round and the free agency signing of Matt Kalil at left tackle.

For a unit that allowed 36 sacks and 93 QB hits this past season, an upgrade was needed. However, some wonder if the signing of Kalil did anything to improve the line at all. The former Minnesota Viking missed all but two games last season and knee injuries in past seasons has affected his skill set. A $55 million dollar contract with $25 million of it guaranteed is a clear sign that the Panthers expect Kalil to be a stalwart in the offense.

The interior of the line is the strongest on the entire line with center Ryan Kalil (Matt’s brother) and left guard Andrew Norwell gives the team’s the most consistent play. However, on the edges is where the attention will be. With Kalil, Moton, right tackle Daryl Williams, and former starter Michael Oher, the Panthers will need stability to prevent their former MVP quarterback from seeing the turf often this season.

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