Panthers coach Ron Rivera spoke with the media this morning at the annual coaches breakfast in Phoenix, AZ. There’s a lot to unpack from his comments, so let’s dive right in with eight things we learned from the reporters who were on hand.
1. No concerns about Matt Paradis
Broncos general manager John Elway mentioned recently that Denver had concerns about their former center Matt Paradis’ injury, which knocked him out for half of last season.
Coach Rivera says that the Panthers have cleared Paradis medically and they’re confident in his status.
Paradis suffered a broken fibula, but he should make a full recovery.
At his introductory press conference, Paradis told reporters that he expects to be cleared by June.
2. Who will start at left tackle?
Perhaps the most important question for the Panthers to answer on offense this year is who’s going to start at left tackle. Matt Kalil has been released and signed with the Texans, while Chris Clark and Marshall Newhouse are both free agents.
Rivera says he has to decide whether he wants to start Taylor Moton or Daryl Williams on the blindside.
Moton is the better choice, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the Panthers will go that route.
Also, we should definitely not rule out the team using an early draft pick on a promising offensive tackle that could bump Moton and Williams down a spot on the depth chart.
3. What position will Bruce Irvin play?
Carolina’s big free agent acquisition on defense came when they signed linebacker/defensive end Bruce Irvin away from the division-rival Falcons.
Irvin has mostly played on the edge in recent years but he also has extensive experience playing linebacker for both the Raiders and the Seahawks. Coach Rivera says he’s going to play both spots.
The Panthers are transitioning to a hybrid or 3-4 defense this year, which makes Irvin’s versatility for the front-seven all the more important.
4. The Panthers want DT Kyle Love back
One of the team’s own free agents that should be brought back if at all possible is veteran defensive tackle Kyle Love.
He doesn’t see a ton of playing time, but Love is highly disruptive and his experience is valuable for the interior rotation. Rivera says the Panthers want Love back. He understands why he’s testing the market, though.
In the meantime, Carolina is in talks with a potential replacement. They’re one of three teams discussing terms with free agent DL Allen Bailey.
5. Who will replace slot CB Captain Munnerlyn?
Another important position for the Panthers to address this offseason is slot cornerback. The last two years it’s been played by Captain Munnerlyn, who was released for salary cap savings recently.
Drafting a good nickel is a smart idea, but Rivera says Rashaan Gaulden and Corn Elder will get a chance to take Munnerlyn’s old spot.
Drafting a nickel prospect is a very, very good idea.
6. On not playing WR Curtis Samuel enough
Yes, the Panthers heard you whining on Twitter about second-year wide receiver Curtis Samuel not getting enough playing time early in the season.
Of course, there’s a good reason why he wasn’t getting more snaps.
Remember, Samuel had a heart procedure in early September, so the team naturally didn’t want to push him too hard as he worked his way back into shape following the surgery.
Rivera also told reporters that Samuel’s work ethic reminds him of how former cornerback Josh Norman put in the time to improve.
Samuel projects to be Carolina’s No. 2 wide receiver this year behind D.J. Moore.
7. Colts offensive line could be model for improvement
It’s obvious that the Panthers prioritized upgrading their offensive line this year. Releasing Matt Kalil, re-signing Daryl Williams and bringing in Matt Paradis are all good moves that should help.
It sounds like Rivera has based the remodeling on what Indianapolis did with its offensive line last season.
After years of getting pummeled in the backfield, Andrew Luck was only sacked 18 times last year, the fewest of any quarterback in the NFL. It’s not hard to see why the Panthers would want to make a similar adjustment for Cam Newton.
8. On losing Thomas Davis
Finally, Rivera touched on what is sure to be an emotional issue for many Carolina fans this year: how to move on without Thomas Davis.
The long-time Panthers linebacker has signed a two-year deal with the Chargers, leaving behind a big pair of shoes to fill. Rivera admits that they’re losing their heart and soul, but the addition of Irvin will help.
Davis stands a solid chance of coming out of the AFC with a loaded Chargers team led by Philip Rivers. Replacing his influence will be one of many challenges for Rivera’s defense this year.
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