Panthers’ evolving o-line seeks consistency, continuity

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (77) has bee part of the Carolina Panthers' rotating offensive line combinations, but running back Rico Dowdle (5) will like get more carries going forward.

One by one, down they went. 

Carolina Panthers tackle Taylor Moton, along with guards Brady Christensen and Cade Mays each sustained injuries during last week’s 40-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills.  At the end, the Panthers planned on utilizing rookie tight end Mitchell Evans if needed. 

“Any time you see guys going down like that, it’s always tough to see,” left tackle Ikem Ekwonu said. “Those are the guys that you work with the whole offseason, you’re on a shared mission together, especially some of those guys that have been here for the long haul, seeing the ups and downs of this program.  

“It’s definitely tough losing some of those guys that are part of the blood and the bricks.”

Through eight games, the Panthers have used seven different line combinations. With guard Chandler Zavala returning from injury, Austin Corbett regaining the starting center position and reserve tackle Yosh Nijman remaining primed to step in if needed, the Panthers will have another new ensemble Sunday at Green Bay. 

With all the changes, league insiders have questioned whether the Panthers, who won three straight before faltering against Buffalo, have enough time to develop consistency and continuity along the offensive front. 

“This is a challenge,” coach Dave Canales said. 

Holding up with rotating pieces 

Despite the rash of roster moves along the line, Carolina, outside a Week 8 outlier, have outperformed expectations. The front mostly protected quarterback Bryce Young during his seven starts and produced a star-in-the-making in running back in Rico Dowdle. 

Young (ankle) missed the Bills outing, and his substitute, 15-year veteran Andy Dalton, endured seven sacks and a broken thumb, four more sacks yielded in any other game this season. Young is expected to start Sunday. 

The constantly evolving line also helped Dowdle break out after starter Chuba Hubbard injured his calf during the loss to New England Sept. 28, the Panthers’ other forgettable performance this season. Boosted by Dowdle’s 389 combined rushing yards in consecutive come-from-behind home wins against Miami and Dallas, the Panthers (4-4) rank fifth in NFL rushing offense, averaging 136.9 yards per game. 

Behind the ramshackle unit, Dowdle ranks fifth in the NFL with 605 yards on 106 attempts with two touchdowns. Four of his carries have compiled 20 or more yards, tied for third in the league. 
Over the past two weeks, Canales alternated series with the duo, starting with Hubbard. Dowdle collected 68 more rushing yards on one fewer carry. Canales admitted Monday to noticing the difference on film.  

“Chuba Hubbard has meant a lot to this team (and) we wanted to give him an opportunity following his calf injury,” Canales said, “but we can’t ignore the fact that Rico has been exceptional.” 

Translation: Dowdle is likely to handle a greater share of the workload compared to the NFC North-leading Packers (5-1-1), who will wear vintage 1923 replica uniforms. 

‘No stone will be left unturned’

Last offseason, general manager Dan Morgan retained the top nine offensive linemen from 2024 to deliver continuity. The depth is necessary. Beginning with Robert Hunt going on injured reserve in Week 3, he was soon followed by Zavala, Corbett and Brady Christensen, who was shelved for the season after suffering an Achilles injury against the Bills and undergoing surgery. 

Moton (knee), who did not participate in practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday, is questionable to start against the Packers. If he cannot play, Nijman likely would get the call. Mays (knee/ankle) is not expected to play. 

In reserve, the Panthers employ Jake Curhan, who made his Panthers debut after Christensen’s injury, and practice team players Brandon Walton, Saahdiq Charles and Michael Tarquin. Walton has been elevated three times already this season, so he will have to be signed to the 53-man roster. Charles has appeared in 35 career games (18 starts). Tarquin, who spent much of the offseason with Carolina, rejoined the team Monday. 

“Those are options,” Canales said. “Those are the guys we’re talking to. We’ll make those decisions once we know where everyone is at.”    

A major question remains. Can a crew remain together long enough to develop consistency and continuity? 

“It’s something you always wish for, having the same five guys play for you the whole season long, but that’s just not the case, really for any team,” offensive coordinator Brad Idzik said. “There’s been a lot of moving pieces, that part is obvious, but the mentality of those guys have been great. Those guys have approached it the same, no matter who is up in the group. 

“No stone will be left unturned to see which guys will be active.” 

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