Although it was certainly recognized by their fan base, the Carolina Panthers’ work on their offensive line this offseason went a bit under the radar. But now, that makeover might be pretty difficult to overlook.
Through three weeks of the 2022 regular season, the Panthers’ front is all over ESPN’s run block win rate stat—both individually and as a unit.
This advanced metric, using player tracking data from NFL Next Gen Stats, measures how well a lineman can hold their assignment. If their block prevents a defender from getting by them, from disrupting or adjusting the pocket or running lane or from recording a tackle within three yards from the line of scrimmage—it’s a win. (And they’re winning alright.)
As far as a group, the line ranks third overall in team run block win rate at 76 percent. They sit behind only the Dallas Cowboys (78 percent) and the Arizona Cardinals (77 percent).
(Heck, they’re even amongst the best in pass block win rate as well—ranking ninth at 65 percent.)
As individuals, four of Carolina’s five starters rank within the top 10 of their positions. Taylor Moton is fifth amongst all tackles (84 percent), Pat Elflein is sixth amongst all centers (76 percent) and Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen are second (81 percent) and eighth (79 percent) amongst guards, respectively.
To be fair, yes, these rates are a product of only three games. But, for a franchise that has been historically negligent and ineffective at building this particular unit up, it’s a much needed breath of fresh air at the moment.
