Monday Morning Optimist: The Panthers are just a few players away from

The more things change Carolina Panthers Hats , the more they stay the same. That’s the theme of too many seasons for the Panthers. They bounce back and forth from winning season to disappointment. They win games despite the best efforts of their coaches. They fire a steady, defensive-minded head coach, only to bring in a slightly younger, steady, and defensive-minded guy. The big change in 2018 was to fire their offensive coordinator and hire freshman Norv Turner, whose job was to take the offense to the next level while keeping it consistent.All of the coordinators changed this off season, for the record. The defense was so competent with new pieces and new coordinator Eric Washington as to almost be boring. Panthers’ fans can all but take for granted that they will have the privilege of watching a competent — and often stifling — defense. Special teams, meanwhile, had some good returns and botched an extra point. In other words, you wouldn’t know there had been coaching changes if somebody hadn’t told you.For the offense, it wasn’t until the 5th play from scrimmage — a 1st and 20 on the opening drive — that the Panthers saw their first positive play of 2018. It went for three yards. Cam Newton then scrambled for 15 yards to set up 3rd and 2. He converted on a QB sneak. I can’t speak to “the next level,” but that is certainly consistent with the last several years of Panthers offense. If you walked away after those first six plays then you would believe that the 2018 Carolina Panthers were going to be a strong defense supporting a fly-by-the-seat-of-Cam’s-teeth offense. A new look offense that was suspiciously familiar.You also would have missed the real story: The Panthers are just a few injuries away from being scary.Newton, while the most potent player on the team Carolina Panthers Hoodie , is no longer the entire story of the offense. Christian McCaffrey, his one fumble aside, had a strong day and made plays even when he didn’t have room to work. Devin Funchess didn’t break out as a number one receiver, but he did prove that he can be a consistent option in the intermediate passing game in Greg Olsen’s (hopefully brief) absence. Torrey Smith and Jarius Wright both showed up larger and in bigger moments than any depth receivers the Panthers have rostered in years. We’re not even talking about Alex Armah and C.J. Anderson showing that they can be contributors if needed. Remember that we’re often mired in arguments over practice squad wide receivers at this point in the season.The Panthers’ offense has options and weapons and hope for the first time in years. The only thing they are missing is time. The offensive line is hurt. Ryan Kalil apparently had a fever. We hope it doesn’t cause him to sleep poorly on his neck. Daryl Williams injured his right knee again. Amini Silatolu looked like he need ‘OnStar for pass rushers’ in his helmet again. Some of these issues will be resolved with the attention of good doctors and the application of rest over the coming weeks. Some will simply fester in the blind spot of veteran-enamored coaches. This is the way things are.That’s a whole lot of question marks and bad portents for a team that won —for a team whose offensive line played relatively well for most of the game. First year starters Taylor Moton and Greg van Roten had a shaky beginning, but they settled down and proved to be the least of Turner and Newton’s worries. That is huge for the Panthers’ hopes.The offense had a few mistakes throughout the game, but that was only to be expected. Turner doesn’t know these guys but so well and they only know him just as far. There is a balance that they are trying to strike. It will take time to find that. Unlike years past, now you can actually see their goals and their misfires on the field. There is a palpable sense of intention and progress that, when not sidelined by injury, could mean the world for Newton and for the Panthers.That brings us back to time. The difference between the time it takes to run a play and the time it takes for a defensive end to blow a play up is almost imperceptible. Fortunately, it is obvious what needs to change to produce the time that Newton and Turner need to get their offense in rhythm. The right tackle position is a fight between the ghost of Daryl Williams’ knee, Amini Silatolu, and recent trade acquisition Corey Robinson. It is also the biggest question mark casting doubt on the Panthers’ offense being able to operate on the level of their defense. It is where they are currently losing time. The Panthers have long been a team that relied on talent on both sides of the ball to overcome coaching. 2018 looks to field one of their most talented rosters in years. Answer that question at right tackle, give Newton just a little more time Youth Customized Carolina Panthers Jerseys , and the Panthers could become one of the safer bets in the NFC. In what is becoming an annual off-season tradition, the Panthers have serious questions to address for their putrid offensive line. Ryan Kalil was a mainstay in Carolina for over a decade, but he has since retired. His retirement accentuates the Panthers need to search for a suitable replacement in the center of their offensive line.The former Wolfpack product attended high school in Charlotte, but the universal praise from draft analysts forced me to check out his NC State tape. Pass protectionThe concern many have with Bradbury is his functional strength, but those issues can be alleviated with leverage and hand placement.Bradbury’s IQ shows up on this set. He immediately identifies the incoming stunt and shifts his eyes to the 3-technique. Bradbury has flexible knee bend and his hand placement is ideal to provide a clean pocket for the quarterback.Bradbury demonstrates why leverage and placement are important to slow down defensive tackles. He does an effective job of using his footwork to mirror the tackle and then controlling him with his leverage.Bradbury is facing Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence on this rep. He snaps his hands quickly into his set, but then carries over his hands to fight against Lawrence’s pass rush. Bradbury is facing Christian Wilkins heads up. This is where the concerns about his play strength show up. Wilkins uses a one arm stab to Bradbury’s chest, which catches him off balance. Wilkins is then able to rip through and beat him.Bradbury’s technique in pass rush reps are excellent. The concerns with his anchor are real, but the athleticism, IQ, and and core strength can be compensated for that issue.Run blockingNC State’s rushing offense mainly ran zone concepts last season. There weren’t many power or gap concepts in their arsenal. Bradbury executes a difficult reach block, but then works up field to get his hands on the linebacker. The result is a touchdown, but this was an impressive combo block.Bradbury flattens the defensive tackle to create a lane for the running back. He uses correct angles when he is working laterally. Then, he displays functional movement skills to open up the hole.Bradbury’s movement skills are also impressive. He immediately targets the linebacker at the second level. He makes just enough contact so the running back can continue his run for an extra 10 yards.Bradbury isn’t perfect when he has to win the leverage battle. As shown on this play www.pantherscheapshop.com , he’s late to react which allows the defensive tackle to drive him back. Due to the issues with his anchor and functional strength, he has to win the leverage battle immediately.Fit with CarolinaCarolina certainly needs a center to replace Kalil, but the question becomes how soon should they draft one? Of course there is free agency, but the better option is to find a young guy to groom for years to come. Bradbury has the technique, athleticism, and IQ to become a key cog in the NFL for years. His functional strength is a real issue. Carolina’s offense is primarily centered around gap and power run concepts. If the Panthers were executing a zone based offense like the 49ers or Rams, then I’d feel comfortable drafting Bradbury high. With that said, I would take a chance on Bradbury in the 2nd round. However, there have been rumors about him potentially going in the first round. That’s too rich. Carolina has to address the interior of their offensive line, but they should also not force the pick.