Frank Reich still believes in the main culprit of the Panthers' offensive line struggles
The Carolina Panthers have an offensive line problem, but it appears to be one head coach Frank Reich doesn't want to admit. On Monday, Reich was asked about the offensive line struggles, specifically Ikem Ekwonu, who has given up a slew of sacks and hasn't looked as good as many thought he would be entering the […]
The Carolina Panthers have an offensive line problem, but it appears to be one head coach Frank Reich doesn't want to admit.
On Monday, Reich was asked about the offensive line struggles, specifically Ikem Ekwonu, who has given up a slew of sacks and hasn't looked as good as many thought he would be entering the season. Yet, despite Ekwonu's struggles, Reich isn't wavering in faith in his offensive tackle.
"A lot of confidence in Ickey," Reich said. "I have no concerns about him playing winning football and being one of the true anchors to our offensive line. The year he had last year and the training camp that he's had — I think not only is he gonna be a really good player for us, I think he's gonna be a good leader.
"We have had a couple miscues he's been involved in, but those things will get worked out."
To this point in the preseason, Ekwonu has allowed three pressures and one sack. Drafted with the No. 6 overall pick in 2022, what has been shocking for Ekwonu has been the lack of progression from year one to the start of year two.
“Yeah, it was a miscommunication,” Reich said of the sack Ekwonu gave up against the Giants. “There was a line call made and thought we heard one thing and two words that sound similar and two words that sound similar and in the heat of the battle—we heard the wrong word.”
That doesn't mean he still doesn't have time to get better. And Reich isn't ready to give up on the tackle just yet.
He started all 17 games in his rookie season for a reason. His talent speaks for itself. and following an offseason of change, it is only a matter of time before Ekwonu finds his footing again.
At least that is what Reich wants to believe.
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Feature image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.
