Carolina Panthers: Key players to watch against the Bengals

Greg Van Roten

The Carolina Panthers have had only two players on their offensive line start the first two games at the same position: center Ryan Kalil and left guard Greg Van Roten.

This is not a trend NFL teams would like to have but the Panthers’ offensive line has done a pretty good job despite the circumstances. They have faced tough challenges against a Cowboys and Falcons’ defensive line with good pass rushers on both.

This week though the challenge will fall on Van Roten as he will be lined up across from tackle Geno Atkins. The six-time Pro Bowler has had at least nine sacks each of the past three years and looks to be on his way to surpassing that again this year with three already.

While Cam Newton is one of the best at avoiding sacks in the pocket thanks to his athleticism, and this certainly takes some pressure off the offensive line, Van Roten will need to have a stellar performance in keeping Atkins away from the Panthers’ quarterback.