Corey Bullock helps the Panthers adapt to O-line reality

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Carolina Panthers guard Corey Bullock (67), who played three seasons of college football at North Carolina Central before transferring to Maryland, shook off pregame jitters ahead of his first professional start in a 32-26 win against Detroit on Oct. 4, 2026 at Bank of America Stadium.

Corey Bullock felt the pregame jitters.

The Carolina Panthers guard and North Carolina Central alumnus, making his first NFL start, jumped the snap count during a warmup drill. He anticipated such a moment.

“Excited .... a little bit of nerves,” Bullock said earlier in the week during his first extended work with the starting lineup. “I’m going to make the most of it, the most I can for the team. Once the game goes on, I’ll probably be good.” 

Or not.

On third down during the opening series at Bank America Stadium, Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill’s bullrush overpowered Bullock for a sack of quarterback Bryce Young, who didn’t go out of his way to say much after the 10-yard loss.

“It’s the NFL, you know, we’re going to lose reps,” Young said following the Panthers’ 32-26 win. “I didn’t (lose) any confidence in him. I made sure he knew that.” 

Whatever coaching messages the staff used, most appeared to reach the Panthers’ makeshift offensive line, which had struggled to withstand pressure in their opening three outings. 

On the Panthers’ second possession, Bullock’s kick-out block on defensive lineman Skylar Gill-Howard opened a lane for running back Chuba Hubbard to ramble 15 yards for a touchdown. The score kick-started a run of six consecutive scoring drives.  

“It looked like (Bullock) kind of settled in,” coach Dave Canales said during his post-game press conference. “We were able to do some things and there wasn’t really much pressure up the middle after that (first sack).” 

Young playing at an elite level 

Aided by new-look run-pass option formations, Young continued his torrid start. Through four games, he paces the NFL with 1,268 passing yards. 

Twice during Sunday’s game, the crowd started chanting “MVP ... MVP ... MVP ...” as Young went 29-of-41 for 329 yards and two touchdowns. He also paces the NFL with 63 passes for first downs and 13 completions of at least 25 yards. 

Canales downplayed an inquiry on whether Young was playing at a Pro Bowl level. 

“I don’t worry about that,” he said. “I just worry about him taking one week at a time, continuing to grow our concepts. That’s got to be the focus.” 

Another focus is likely on mending the offensive line.  

With Damien Lewis (elbow) inactive, Bullock filled in during the Panthers’ first appearance on Sunday Night Football since Dec. 4, 2016, a 40-7 loss to Seattle. 

With Young entering Sunday with a 47% pressure rate on dropbacks, Carolina implemented new offensive looks centered on RPOs to offset blitz packages opponents are developing. 
“I’m not the best with schematics, but I know RPOs kind of take the D-line out of it ... quick bop ... bop,” Lions edge Aidan Hutchinson said.   

The quick-developing plays allowed Young to better deliver passes before the pocket collapsed. Young, who completed his first 11 passes, connected with wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan for a career-high 16 receptions for 192 yards and two touchdowns.  

Young credited the RPOs for allowing him to “get the ball into the playmakers’ hands,” despite an injured knee.

Sacked a club-record 62 times as a rookie, Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick, has spent his career under pressure.   

Off week could help wounded line

Already without starting tackles Taylor Moton (blood clots) and Ikem Ekwonu (knee), Carolina finished Sunday without rookie Monroe Freeling, who injured his knee in the second half. The 2026 first-round draft pick was replaced by backup tackle Stone Forsythe. 

The offensive line continues to take early-season hits. 

The Week 1 regular-season depth chart listed Lewis as the starter at left guard. At the time, it was all they needed he departed the Browns game in the second quarter and replaced by Bullock, who earned second team All-MEAC at NCCU before spending a year at Maryland, where he was honorable mention All-Big 10.  

Lewis opened 2026 as the offensive line’s most consistent performer. Against the Browns, the seventh-year veteran was the only offensive lineman to not allow a quarterback pressure, registering the unit’s top grade (89.7), per Pro Football Focus.  

“D-Lew is a staple to this front,” Bullock said last week. “Him being missing is big shoes to fill, but that's what they brought me here for. I’m supposed to be a challenger every Sunday.” 

The Panthers claimed Bullock off waivers after the Baltimore Ravens released him during final roster cuts as a roster replacement for Chandler Zavala.  

A 2024 undrafted free agent, Bullock, 24, spent his rookie season on the Ravens’ practice squad. He appeared in 16 games in 2025, competing in 13 offensive plays. 
Following a rough opening series, Bullock helped lessen the pressure on Young.  

“He did a great job the rest of the game,” Young said. “It’s a credit to him for being able to step up and respond like this. He’s worked super hard since he's been here.”  

Following Hubbard’s second TD run lifted the Panthers to a 29-19 third quarter advantage, Bullock stood in the end zone flexing in a variety of poses before embracing the running back. Hubbard ran for a season-best 122 yards on 20 attempts, resuscitating the ground attack. 

“The run game got going,” Canales said. “I’m so glad Corey was able to step in for us.” 

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