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Carolina Panthers: Predicting starting offensive line without Matt Kalil

By Brandon Croce

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 26: Offensive tackle Matt Kalil #75, center Tyler Larsen #69, offensive guard Andrew Norwell #68 and teammates take the field before playing against the New York Jets during the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 26: Offensive tackle Matt Kalil #75, center Tyler Larsen #69, offensive guard Andrew Norwell #68 and teammates take the field before playing against the New York Jets during the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers passes the ball while teammate guard Trai Turner #70 blocks against outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedExField on December 19, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers passes the ball while teammate guard Trai Turner #70 blocks against outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedExField on December 19, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Slide Trai Turner to Right Tackle

Starters: Taylor Moton (LT), Greg Van Roten (LG), Ryan Kalil (C), Tyler Larsen (RG), Trai Turner (RT)

Another option the Panthers could have is shifting Taylor Moton over to left tackle then sliding starting right guard Trai Turner outside to right tackle.

The Panthers have dealt with these many injuries along the offensive line as recently as 2016 when the team was without Michael Oher, Ryan Kalil and Daryl Williams towards the end of the season. The coaching staff decided to move then starting right tackle Mike Remmers to left tackle, Trai Turner to right tackle and start Chris Scott at right guard.

However, by shifting Turner to right tackle the Panthers would be taking their best offensive lineman and moving him out of position. The fact that the team has as many holes as they do, it doesn’t make sense to move their strongest piece.

It also sounds like Rivera would not consider moving Turner, according to Brendan Marks of the Charlotte Observer: 

"“It’s very important to have someone that’s there that’s a constant, that you can rely on,” Rivera said Monday. “You know, it’s been good to see Trai go through it this year and kind of be that guy that’s stepped up. “You have to have some continuity somewhere, and Trai, being an All-Pro, is a type of guy who gives you some of that continuity.”"

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