Projecting the Panthers Offensive Starters 2.0
We are two weeks away from the Carolina Panthers taking the field for the 2020 season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. There are still a lot of question marks about which guys will start on both sides of the ball. Earlier this week, we projected the team's defensive starters and today, we breakdown the offense.
QB Teddy Bridgewater
Analysis: There was some thought that maybe Will Grier or P.J. Walker may push Bridgewater for the starting job, but I never really bought into that idea. Teddy is getting paid a ton of money and him sitting on the sideline would essentially be just flushing millions down the toilet. Grier and Walker are talented, but they're not quite ready yet. Bridgewater has really taken control of this offense and is going to surprise some folks with how efficient the offense can be with him under center. He's been a winner everywhere he has been and I don't see that changing.
RB Christian McCaffrey
Analysis: There are only a few elite superstars in the NFL and Christian McCaffrey is one of them. His skill set is unique and unlike most running backs, he can be a huge factor in the passing game as you well know. I don't expect another 1,000/1,000 season from him, but he is going to be the centerpiece of this offense.
WR DJ Moore
WR Curtis Samuel
WR Robby Anderson
WR Analysis: The speed in the receiver room is second to none. In fact, they may be the fastest wide receiving unit in the entire league. The addition of Robby Anderson is going to pay off in huge dividends as it will open up some things for DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel underneath. If defenses are too concerned with Anderson taking the top off the defense, Teddy Bridgewater will dice and slice you with Moore and Samuel in the quick passing game. There's a lot of talent in this room and may be the deepest receiving group Carolina has had in the last decade.
TE Ian Thomas
Analysis: This is Thomas' time to show that he can be "the guy" at tight end. After learning from Greg Olsen the first couple years of his professional career, Thomas should be more prepared for this starting role. He's got the best hands of the tight ends on the roster, but he is nowhere near becoming a go-to, check down target in the offense. He still has some room to grow in regards to his receiving abilities.
LT Russell Okung
LG Dennis Daley
C Matt Paradis
RG John Miller
RT Taylor Moton
Offensive line analysis: This should be the most improved group on the entire Panthers' roster in 2020. Okung is a major upgrade at left tackle and Taylor Moton holding down the right side should give Bridgewater some really good pass protection on the edges. Clearly, there is concern on the interior of the line but Paradis is due for a bounce back season and Daley and Miller have looked really solid in training camp. If Daley can quickly adjust to being a full-time left guard, this unit will be one of the most improved offensive lines in the NFL - obviously there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.
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