Report: Amini Silatolu to Right Tackle?
Nate Chandler is on the IR, and Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer reports that the Panthers are looking at sticking left guard Amini Silatolu out there. This is the kind of idea that I can get behind, since the Panthers are not having much luck with the offensive line as currently constructed. Why not shuffle the pieces to try and maximize your talent.
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A rule of thumb is that your tackles are more important than your guards. You are far better off just sticking someone at guard than you are if you try to just stick them at tackle. Silatolu is probably the second most talented linemen that the Panthers have. Let’s see what he can do out there at right tackle.
Jones noted that regardless of this action, the Panthers will address a permanent solution in the off-season. That means drafting more linemen. If you remember the first Gettleman draft, there was an emphasis on defensive tackles. Gettleman took Lotulelei and Short at the top of the draft. There may be an influx of young linemen this May.
Nov 24, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a touchdown pass over New Orleans Saints defensive back Brian Dixon (20) during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The Panthers enjoyed a good bye week as all of their divisional rivals lost over the weekend, which keeps the Panthers’ playoff hopes alive. So yes, Steve Smith has played a role in preserving the Panthers playoff possibilities.
The Panthers play Minnesota this week. As far as anyone knows, Adrian Peterson will not be taking the field for the Vikings. The Panthers will have enough trouble with East Carolina alumnus Lindval Joseph on the defensive line. Pressuring Teddy Bridgewater will be important to encourage mistakes and turnovers.