Panthers' season in review: Offensive Line

Starting with Jeff Davidson in 2008 the Carolina Panthers offensive line established a zone blocking scheme rather than a typical man blocking one. Much like the defensive term zone in its most basic form this refers to an offensive lineman being responsible for blocking an area rather than merely a specific man. While the merits of a zone v. man blocking scheme could be argued at length, today's article focuses on how well our offensive line executed Davidson's zone blocking scheme during the 2009 season.

This was a season where the offensive line was in flux for much of 2009. Injuries to both Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah meant that young players and unproven commodities like Mackenzy Bernadeau and Geoff Schwartz were forced into playing before many thought they were ready. Ultimately, the offensive line curiously became an analogy for the Panthers' season as a whole; a great deal of promise, marred by injury but ultimately giving hope for the future by showcasing young talent.

More after the jump

For all of Jeff Davidson's faults (of which there are many) the one area you can't slight the man is his game plan as it pertains to the Carolina Panthers' running game. There has been a marked improvement in both the sheer statistic of Panther running backs, as well as the quality of their runs moving the chains. Much of this can be attributed to his success implementing his zone blocking scheme which has allowed Jordan Gross and others to display their quick lateral movement and ability to pickup blitzing linebackers. Of course not all the credit can be given to the offensive line, but it's hard to imagine that DeAngelo Williams or Jonathan Stewart could have their level of success without a good line up front.

To get a picture of just how much the Panthers line changed during the 2009 season let's look at the depth chart as it began in 2009 and where it ended.

Week one, 2009

Week seventeen, 2009

Out of the five positions on the line only two players finished the season where they began, Kalil at center and Vincent at RG. It's a testament to both the depth the Panthers have on the offensive line, as well as the quality run block coaching that allowed the Panthers to remain successful during those final weeks. Some could go so far as saying the backups played better in many ways that the grouping who started the season.

Let's now look at the entire roster as it pertains to the offensive line. We'll look at how they stand contractually, as well as their performance.

• Mackenzy Bernadeau: Bernadeau is still a project at the guard position, but performed admirably when his number was called. He'll be a solid member of the rotation and could easily be the future at RG depending upon what the team does with Keydrick Vincent. Bernadeau signed a 4 year deal in 2008, so there is no contractual issue with him.

• C.J Davis: Picked up to fill out training camp Davis was impressive enough to remain with the team. Though the details of the term of his contract were not disclosed Davis could be a likely cut.

• Jordan Gross: Despite Gross's injury he will be back to form in 2010. Gross is reliable as the day is long at LT. He was signed to a 6 year extension before the 2009 season so he will be a Panther for a long time.

• Steve Justice: Signed on just 1/5/10 Justice was a highly decorated collegiate player out of Wake Forest who started one game for the Indianapolis Colts in 2006. He will likely earn a spot at reserve center behind Ryan Kalil.

• Ryan Kalil: Making his first probowl in 2009 (due to default) Ryan Kalil has cemented himself as one of the best centers in the NFL. He's still on his 4 year rookie contract signed in 2007, so we don't need to worry about losing him yet.

• Jeff Otah: Even before his season ending injury Jeff Otah looked to be in a sophomore slump. His feet weren't as quick in 2009 and it seemed like Otah was out of position a lot. He still has more to learn in the NFL and was perhaps lauded as ‘great' a little too early. Despite this, Otah's future is very bright and we don't need to worry about him at all contractually.

• Rob Petitti: Signed on 12/15/09 as a reserve when Otah was injured Petitti made a name for himself with a solid UFL season with the Florida Tuskers. It's unlikely he'll be retained for the upcoming season with established players and promising rookies on the roster.

• Duke Robinson: One of the more intriguing picks of the 2009 draft Robinson did not see the field in 2009. He's a project who will be worked on further and possibly be another player who will be looked at to fill in for Keydrick Vincent.

• Geoff Schwartz: Signed to a future/reserve contract back in '09 much to the joy of former teammate Jonathan Stewart. Schwartz took a little bit of time to find his legs, but was very solid filling it at the RT position. Schwartz is a very big player at 6'6", 331 lbs. He will definitely be getting more looks in training camp, but unlikely he'll unseat anyone on the starting line.

• Keydrick Vincent: Vincent is a free agent going into 2010 and I think it's unlikely the Panthers will bring him back. There is proof with Bernadeau and Schwartz that there are players who can start if needed, and with Duke Robinson in the wings it makes it very hard to imagine Vincent will be signed to a new deal. Vincent never really plays poorly per se, but you never really see him making an impact and ultimately this is why I think you see him leave.

• Travelle Wharton: Despite a rocky start filling in for Jordan Gross at LT Travelle Wharton found himself and became comfortable in the role. Wharton is one of those extremely valuable guys on the o-line who can be moved to almost any position as needed. Still on a 6 year deal from 2008 there's no risk of losing Wharton and it's a good thing for an offensive line so often in flux.

• Garry Williams: Injured for much of the 2009 season Williams will be another likely cut after signed as an UDFA.

As we can see from the breakdown of our talent there really aren't too many questions with the offensive line. Other than discovering the eventual successor to Keydrick Vincent at RG the Panthers just need more time to gel. As a group they need to work on their pass protection, especially given Matt Moore will likely be under center in 2010 and as David Carr showed the NFL a good offensive line is a necessity for the future of a young QB.

It's a good thing too that the Panthers are set on the offensive line, because this is quite a sparse year for OL talent via free agency. Realistically there are only three players who would be an immediate and noticeable upgrade at RG. These are:

• Logan Mankins (formerly with New England)
• Harvey Dahl (formerly with Atlanta)
• Jahri Evans (formerly with New Orleans)

All three, however, would likely be very expensive upgrades at a position where we already have future talent. Evans would be a major upgrade, but will be a top dollar free agent.

Ultimately, the Panthers offensive line is very solid for the 2010 season and beyond. I think we will see the Panthers continue to solidify their depth with late round steals and closely monitor UDFAs and drops during training camp. I always like to end posts like this with a predictor for the future, so here is how I see the Panthers depth chart for week one 2010.