Things to Watch this Preseason: Guard Play

[BlackPanther22]

So something I’ve seen echoed amongst Panthers twitter from those who were at camp in the past week and even more so after joint practices, is that the iOL, particularly RG and even apparently LG (according to Joe Person) have been the main source of pressure leakage with the first team OL. I think the Corbett injury is affecting more than what we realize so this preseason I’ll be watching a couple of things.

1. Who gets starting reps at RG:

- Though Cade Mays has felt like the natural replacement, I’ve read a lot recently about his struggles and even how he apparently got pulled for Justin McCray during joint practices. So, I’ll definitely be watching over the course of the next few weeks who they choose to give reps to at right guard during these preseason games. I’ll particularly be watching to see if this Nash Jensen hype is anything and if he lines up over there. 
 

2. If Zavala gets up to speed, will he push for reps at LG in the next few weeks?

- Chandler is clearly playing a bit of catch up right now after missing the first week and a half but the team seemed to really emphasize him playing next to Ickey again in the Blueprint stuff we saw. So I’ll be curious to see if towards the 2-3rd pre-season games we see them give him reps with the 1’s at LG or even RG. 
 

Those are just a couple of things I’ll be watching, especially after reading everything I have over the last few days. It can’t be stressed how important the iOL is with a smaller QB, regardless of how great I think BY is at finding throwing lanes, so I hope they figure it out before the season starts. 

[shaqattaq]

Good stuff @BlackPanther22. On the offensive side of the ball, this is our biggest question mark. Everything else seems settled except who the #6 WR will be, and Byrd's injury pretty much settled that. FWIW, I think Mays has everything needed to be a starter at RG, at least until Corbett returns. McCray might be getting looks because he's the vet and Mays is still figuring it out. I also am a big fan of Christensen, but I think he's missing that mean streak that Zavala had at State. I don't think Zavala pushes for RG anytime soon though. I heard a lineman say one time that moving from one side of the line to the other was like wiping your ass with your left hand... it's possible, but it doesn't feel right.

[MHS831]

yep--our starting guards (eventually, imo) are not practicing.  (Zavala just started practicing ).  BC will move back to OT as depth and maybe take Moton's spot in a year when his salary explodes to $30m.

We have some good young hopefuls at G, but they are not there yet.  Mays, Jensen, and DiRenzo are very interesting prospects.