Key to Today's Game: Can Offensive Line Handle Seattle's Front Seven?
Simply put, the Panthers' current offensive line situation is a complete mess. All-Pro center Ryan Kalil and backup center Gino Gradkowski were placed on season-ending IR this past week, and backup-turned-starter Darryl Williams went down with an injury that's causing him to miss this week's game, leaving third-year guard Andrew Norwell as the only starter at his natural position on the line. Coach Ron Rivera even went so far as to call the line a "catastrophe."
Injuries have caused the offensive line to become a major area of concern throughout the entirety of the season- the pocket seems to collapse around Newton within a matter of seconds, and only four more quarterbacks have been sacked more than Newton has this season- and with a line as depleted as we've seen it so far this season, things do not look to be in the Panthers' favor against a very solid Seahawks front seven.
Heading into the game, it looks as though the Panthers' starting line will be composed of Mike Remmers at left tackle, Norwell at left guard, recent practice-squad player Tyler Larsen at center, backup Chris Scott at right guard, and Trai Turner at right tackle. Larsen will be making his first career start, Scott has only logged eight starts in his short career, and Turner, although a Pro-Bowl lineman, hasn't played right tackle since high school. And against a loud and proud Seahawks fan base and a pass rush headlined by Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett that has registered 31 sacks on the season, tied for third-best in the league, this makeshift line needs to adjust and adjust quickly if the team stands a chance of coming home with a victory.
With an unfavorable line situation, the Panthers need to focus more on developing a screen game centered around Greg Olsen. Olsen absolutely dominated against the Panthers last year with 13 catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns, and the Seahawks have had difficulties guarding tight ends in the past. If the line can hold up long enough for Newton to find Olsen, then the Panthers very well could be successful. Just don't expect this game to be won by deep throws from Cam.
